Yellowstone National Park officially began winter operations on Sunday, December 15, with most roads closed around the park. Plenty of activities remain available throughout the winter months, including visits and guided tours to Old Faithful, snowmobile rides, and snowcoach tours.
While some of Yellowstone’s wildlife becomes significantly more difficult to spot during the winter (due to hibernation or migration), the park’s bison population sticks around. The animals tend to move to lower elevations during to avoid the deepest snowpacks, but, as this snowcoach tour learned, they’re very much still present.
Fortunately nothing reckless seemed to occur during this video, but drivers should be extra cautious when on Yellowstone’s roads throughout the winter. Bison and other wildlife should be expected on roadways, and drivers should slow down or pull over until the animals pass, giving them 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.
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