Which of the following is not considered a big game animal in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, the classification of big game animals is primarily based on their ecological significance, size, and the regulations governing their hunting. Bears are indeed classified as large carnivores and play a vital role in the ecosystem, but they are not categorized as big game animals in the same manner as deer, moose, or elk.

Deer, moose, and elk fall under the big game category because they are managed for hunting purposes similar to species like antelope and bighorn sheep. These animals are also often sought after by hunters and have specific seasons, quotas, and regulations associated with their harvest.

Bears, while regulated and monitored, do not fit into the established big game roster, which is more focused on certain types of ungulates that exhibit characteristics such as significant body size and population management dynamics. Understanding these classifications helps in the conservation and sustainable management of these species in Wyoming.