Of all the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in our National Parks, witnessing the bison rut in Yellowstone National Park may be the most captivating. The raw power of 2,000 pound bulls squaring off to establish dominance is more than enough to stop traffic as tourists roll down their windows and to take in the sights and sounds of the untamed essence of wildlife in Yellowstone.
The best locations to witness the annual rut are the Lamar and Hayden Valleys where you can see bison throughout the day but they are more active in the mornings and evenings.
Visitors are welcome to watch the spectacle but only at a safe distance and preferably from the safety of your vehicle. Yellowstone policy states visitors must remain 25 yards from bison at all times and additional distance is recommended during during the rut when bison are markedly more aggressive and unpredictable.
Yellowstone Wildlife Viewing Safety
Wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous. Every year people are injured when they approach animals too closely. Animals that attack people may need to be killed. To protect yourself and the animals you come to watch, always remain at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears or wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other wildlife. If visitors violate rules, rangers may close roadside pullouts to protect animals and people.
The following tips will keep you and park animals safe:
- Never approach or pursue an animal to take its picture: use binoculars or telephoto lenses to get a better view.
- If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain a safe distance.
- If you cause an animal to move, you’re too close. It’s illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
- Park in roadside pullouts when watching/photographing animals: do not block traffic.
- Stay in or next to your car when watching bears. If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away to discourage this behavior.
- Do not feed wildlife or leave food where they can get it, especially for bears. Allowing bears to obtain human food even once often leads to them becoming aggressive toward people and eventually killed. Throw all garbage in bear-proof containers.
- Do not run or make sudden movements when watching bears, as this can provoke a chase or attack. Be extra careful with children since they may run when excited.
- Report conflicts. If you’re involved in a conflict with an animal, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the animal, may depend on it.
- Watch our wildlife safety videos and see the power of large wild animals.