Yellowstone National Park is home to between 3,000 and 6,000 bison, with a pre-calving population of 4,550 bison counted in the spring. It is the only place in the United States where bison have lived nonstop since prehistoric times, and marks the largest bison population on public land in the country.
In the winter, bison move towards lower elevations with less snow, using their head to plow away the accumulation and reach the forage below. Yellowstone offers visitors from far and wide an unparalleled opportunity to watch these animals in the wild, even during the winter. When the months are colder, tourists are often able to spot bison around hydrothermal areas and along the Madison River. Unfortunately some people, like the people below, seem to have a hard time understanding that these large animals are fully wild.
All wildlife in Yellowstone needs to be given a proper amount of space, no matter the time of year. For wolves and bears this means 100 yards (300 feet). For all other animals, including bison, this means at least 25 yards (75 feet). Though they aren’t usually agressive, bison will defend their space if they feel threatened. In fact, Yellowstone’s bison are responsible for more injuries to humans than any other animal in the park. 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 meters) 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“