Yellowstone National Park’s bison population usually spend their days intermittently grazing (foraging for 9-11 hours) and ruminating around the park at a relatively slow pace. Their standard gait is plodding walk but they are also extremely agile when circumstances dictate and can run up to 35mph.
Bison tend to show their true athleticism when they are startled or detect a perceived threat but it seems this rambunctious bison was simply celebrating a crisp taste of winter weather.
While cold weather and snow sends some of Yellowstone’s mammals into hibernation, bison thrive in it and have evolved several remarkable adaptations for thermoregulation that allow them to be comfortable in the harshest winter conditions. These include developing a a thick woolly coat before winter, a slowing down of their metabolism in response to cold stress and an instinct to turn into the wind and create a low profile by hunkering down to minimize exposure to the elements.
It is incredible to see Yellowstone’s bison in person but it is crucial that tourists follow park police and at least 25 yards from bison at all times. Learn more about bison safety at Yellowstone 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.