During the winter, Yellowstone National Park‘s 3,000-6,000 wild bison move from their summer ranges to lower elevation areas that tend to see lower snowpacks. The bison herds may migrate up to 70 miles between these two ranges, helping the plants of Yellowstone to grow through their grazing behavior.
While many roads throughout Yellowstone are closed during the snowy months, the park remains open to visitors all year round. Those who visit during the winter can take advantage of several warming huts, experience Old Faithful as its covered in snow, and have the opportunity to spot the park’s abundant wildlife, like the group in the video below, through snowmobile and snowcoach tours.
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Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter means taking extra safety precautions when on the road. Black ice, snow-packed roads, and whiteouts are all possible, and drive times can take much longer. Wildlife always has the right of way, no matter the time of year. Bison are likely to appear along roadways, and drivers should slow down or pull over until the animals pass or move off the road. Read more on bison safety in Yellowstone National Park below:
Yellowstone 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.