Grand Teton National Park stands as one of most beautiful public lands occupying nearly 310,000 acres of pristine mountains, lakes, and plains including the major peaks of the Teton Range and the northern half of the valley of Jackson Hole.
The park is rich with wildlife including a population of approximately 600 bison as of early 2025. Grand Teton’s bison population exhibit localized seasonal movements rather than long-distance migrations. During the winter month, the Teton Herd moves to lower elevations near the National Elk Refuge and areas around Moose, Kelly, and Jackson to avoid heavy snow and access forage.
Grand Teton’s main roadways are also sometimes the path of least resistance for the bison as the meander to lower elevations where they pose a risk to themselves and winter motorists. In response to the potential conflicts, Grand Teton National Park has issued a public service announcement for drivers to be alert to the presence of bison on Highway US 26,89, and 191. Be safe out there folks and drive slow around these majestic animals.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK PSA:
Attention drivers! Be alert for bison on Hwy 26/89/191. Bison are migrating south for the winter, crossing the highway in the s-curves between Triangle X Ranch and Snake River Overlook. If disrupted by traffic, bison may stray onto the road. Deep snow makes roads their easiest travel route.
-Stay Alert: Watch for bison and other wildlife on park roads.
-Slow Down: Reduce speed in wildlife corridors, especially at night.
-Be Patient: If bison are crossing, wait for the herd to pass before proceeding.
-Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road.
-Report Sightings: Call park dispatch (307-739-3301) if bison are on the road so we can help guide them safely.
Let’s work together to protect our wildlife and ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Your actions can make a difference!
GTNP Responsible Wildlife Observation Guidelines:
- Use binoculars, spotting scopes or long lenses for close views and photographs. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife.
- Never position yourself between an adult and its offspring. Females with young are especially defensive.
- It is illegal to feed wildlife, including ground squirrels and birds. Feeding wild animals makes them dependent on people, and animals often bite the hand that feeds them.
- Do not harass wildlife. Harassment is any human action that causes unusual behavior, or a change of behavior, in an animal. Repeated encounters with people can have negative, long-term impacts on wildlife, including increased levels of stress and the avoidance of essential feeding areas.
- Nesting birds are easily disturbed. For wildlife, raising young is a private affair. If an adult bird on a nest flies off at your approach, or circles you or screams in alarm, you are too close to the nest. Unattended nestlings readily succumb to predation and exposure to heat, cold, and wet weather.
- Allow other visitors a chance to enjoy wildlife. If your actions cause an animal to flee, you have deprived other visitors of a viewing opportunity. Use an animal’s behavior as a guide to your actions.
