As America’s first National Park, Yellowstone National Park serves as an incredible look into an intact ecosystem like no other. Geological wonders and rare geothermal areas make for a truly remarkable location to experience nature and wildlife.
Among the park’s most famous animals exist in its bison population. Yellowstone is the only place where the animals have lived continuously since prehistoric times, with somewhere around 3,000-6,000 individuals making up the population. Through the winter, these bison will move to lower elevations where the snowpack isn’t as dense, migrating up to 70 miles between summer and winter ranges.
Though Yellowstone is undoubtedly more popular in the summer, it manages to attract plenty of visitors throughout the winter. In the colder months tourists can experience both snowmobile tours and snowcoach tours, like in the video below, and still have several opportunities to spot and witness wildlife.
As wildlife is still active in the winter, tourists are still expected to respect any animals they might come across. This means leaving plenty of space, at least 25 yards (75 feet) for bison and 100 yards (300 feet) for bears and wolves. When driving on the roads through the winter, guests should take their time and use only plowed pullouts to watch wildlife. Animals always have the right of way. Read more on 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.