Yellowstone National Park‘s 3,000-6,000 bison migrate up to 70 miles between their summer and winter ranges, moving to lower elevations with lower snowpacks as the colder months take hold. They’re well adapted to winter survival, growing a wooly coat to protect themselves from the elements and using their heads as a sort of plow to push snow aside and access vegetation below.
Though Yellowstone is most popular in the summer, and though the park closes a majority of roads between November and late-April, winter in the park can offer a unique experience to anyone who chooses to visit. The park’s bison population will take advantage of roads for easier travel, presenting incredible opportunities like the one below to view the animals.
Those visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter should be extra cautious on the roads. Black ice, snow-packed roads, and whiteouts can all create extremely dangerous conditions for drivers, and drive times can be significantly decreased. As always, wildlife has the right of way. When coming across a herd of bison, drivers need to slow down or pull over until the herd passes or moves off the road. Read more on bison safety 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.