The majority of Yellowstone National Park’s 4 million annual visitors come during the summer but there’s plenty to do in the winter months including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowcoach rides and guided snowmobile trips through the 3,471 square miles of rugged wilderness.
Winter tourists might not get to see Yellowstone’s resident grizzly or black bears as they go into hibernation in October and November but the iconic bison are active year round.
Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times and their current population is estimated at 4,550 individuals.
Although bison may appear docile, they are largest land-dwelling mammal in North America (males weigh 2,000) and have injured more Yellowstone tourists than any other animal. Park visitors should never underestimate bison danger and should give them as much room as possible. The following winter bison encounter occurred on the Grand Loop and was expertly handled by this snowmobile tour’s lead guide who directed his customers to pull over and give the herd ample space to pass by peacefully.
“I was grateful there were no mature bulls within the herd because this time of year they are living in solitude scattered throughout Yellowstone. The entire time they were passing, I was thinking if one were to charge I would bail off the other side of the snowmobile or perhaps hit the accelerator. Having worked with cattle over the course of my life, I felt they only wanted to get by as quickly as possible.”
Thankfully this group heeded their guides instructions and came away with an experience they will not soon forget. Learn Yellowstone bison safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bison Safety Guidelines:
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
- Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
- Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
- Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.