Winter in Yellowstone National Park looks entirely different than the summer months. Vehicle access is limited and many services are closed when snow is on the ground, but that doesn’t mean visiting isn’t an option. The park’s incredible hydrothermal features are still available to tourists, and snowcoach or snowmobile tours will take tourists around the park. If one’s lucky, they may even be able to spot some of Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife living among the snow.
Yellowstone is home to around 3,000 to 6,000 bison, which migrate towards lower elevations during the winter. This practice helps the animals avoid deep snowpacks for ease of travel and grazing. It also tends to mean an increase in bison heading towards open roads, creating an incredible viewing experience for tourists. In the case below, a tourist/photographer the winter viewing opportunity to behave pretty poorly.
Yellowstone’s bison are responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal. They, like any wildlife, need to be given plenty of space, at least 25 yards (75 feet) at all times. This photographer seems to be within 10 feet of the animal, a distance that could easily turn dangerous without much notice. 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.