Yellowstone National Park preserves the most important bison herd in the country as it is the only place in the United States where bison (Bison bison) have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Ranging between 3,500 to nearly 6,000 animals, Yellowstone’s herd comprises the nation’s largest bison population on public land.
Yellowstone bison roam relatively freely over the park’s expansive 2.2 million acre landscape and some nearby areas of Montana where they are met with the many challenges of living in the wilderness including predation by animals like grizzly bears and wolves.
Bison employ a variety of defensive strategies to protect themselves and their young from wolf attacks and will often often use their numbers to their advantage forming tight defensive circles with their calves in the middle to reduce the wolves’ ability to isolate vulnerable members for an easy kill.
When a lone bison is faced with an attacking wolf pack it will rely on its thick hide that acts like armor against bites and use its horns to inflict blows that can seriously injure or kill the attackers during confrontations. Bison can also administer powerful charges, kicks and headbutts that are effective deterrents against the much smaller wolves.
The following video was filmed just days ago in the northern range of Yellowstone National Park and shows a lone bison standing its ground against The Junction Butte Wolf Pack which is currently comprised of 18 adult wolves and 17 pups.
The pack had tested several bison that day, none of which were successful. Taking on a full grown bison is a risky proposition for Yellowstone wolves and documented deaths have occurred including a wolf from the Junction Butte pack that is presumed to have died from injuries sustained while hunting a bison in 2023.
As a reminder to visitors of Yellowstone, its animals very much wild and unpredictable. Park officials recommend the safest and often time best view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Yellowstone National Park Bison & Wolves Safety Guidelines:
Bison
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.
Wolves
Wolves are not normally a danger to people, unless they become habituated to their presence and food (there has never been an attack in Yellowstone). Two habituated wolves have been killed in the park. Help us protect wolves in Yellowstone by:
- Remaining at least 100 yards away when watching or photographing them.
- Telling a ranger if you see wolves near developed areas or approaching people.
- Keeping your dog leashed at all times when it’s outside a vehicle.
If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.
