A majority of roads throughout Yellowstone National Park are already closed to automobiles for the winter. Additionally, a majority of park facilities and many campsites are not open during the coldest months. But the park stays open and people still visit, with several opportunities for winter tours and snowmobile/snowcoach rides.
Bison do not move south to warmer areas during the winter. They’ll move to lower elevations to avoid deeper snow, but as the temperatures drop they usually stay around the same area. They’ll use their heads to push aside snow accumulation and reach the grass below. The Yellowstone winter can be brutal for any animal, with 9 out of 100 adult bison dying throughout the cold months. These adults tend to be in poor condition heading into the season, but it’s much more dangerous period for the young. 20 to 40 of every 100 first-year bison will die during their first winter.
Bison need to be respected year-round, and that’s even more true throughout the winter. Stress caused by tourists and vehicles, like in the video below, is unnecessary and harmful.
Animals always have the right of way in Yellowstone National Park. Throughout the winter, visitors are more likely to spot these creatures along the road. Those that encounter a bison or any other wildlife should pull over or slow down until the animal passes or moves off the road, allowing for plenty of space to remain at all times. Read more on bison safety in Yellowstone below:
Bison Safety in Yellowstone National Park:
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.