Yellowstone National Park is a very different experience in the winter than the summer, but limited vehicle access and some services are still active for those who prefer to visit during the colder months. Tourists can experience Yellowstone’s iconic hydrothermal features and enjoy snowcoach or snowmobile tours with significantly smaller crowds, and if they’re lucky they may even be able to spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife among a snowy landscape.
The 3,000 to 6,000 bison that make up Yellowstone’s population tend to head towards lower elevations during the winter, avoiding deep snowpacks for ease of travel and grazing. For visitors, this can mean an increase in bison visiting the open roads, blocking traffic, and coming potentially far too close to tourists.
Jeff Vanuga shared this story to his social media, explaining that a bison stampede ensued after wolves took down a bison cow. As people were observing the kill about 100 feet below the road, the stampede headed directly toward the crowd, causing everyone to scatter as the bison thundered around them. Nobody was injured, but Jeff captured this unbelievable image of one of the last bison working its way through the crowd.
Visiting Yellowstone in the winter means being aware of existing safety concerns on top of additional ones that apply to colder months. Visitors should drive with caution, remaining aware of of black ice, whiteouts, and snow packed roads. Wildlife always gets the right of way on the roads. 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.