YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – A wild video shared to Instagram by Jackson Hole EcoTours guide Billy Fabian captures the moment a Yellowstone bison kicked an attacking wolf in the head, knocking the animal to the ground.
The unbelievable video left us thinking about both the wolves and bison of Yellowstone National Park. So let’s explore some fascinating facts about Yellowstone’s wolves, what they eat, and why the park’s bison make up such an important population.
Fascinating Facts About Yellowstone’s Wolves:
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the northern Rocky Mountain wolf as an endangered species in 1973.
- 41 wild wolves from Canada and northwest Montana were released in Yellowstone between 1995 and 1997.
- Wolf numbers in Yellowstone have fluctuated between 83 and 123 since 2009.
- Yellowstone’s wolves primarily feed on hoofed animals like elk, deer, and bison.
- Wolves will generally prey on winter-killed bison or those dying from injuries sustained during breeding season, though there is some predation on bison of all age classes.
Facts About The Bison’s Of Yellowstone National Park:
- Yellowstone is the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times.
- The Yellowstone bison population is the nation’s largest on public land.
- The bison population in Yellowstone has ranged from 3,500 to nearly 6,000 in the past several years.
- In 2024, the Yellowstone bison population estimate was 5,400.
- Male bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds, while females can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
- Bison are agile and can run up to 35 miles per hour.
Yellowstone Bison and Wolf 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.
Do not handle wolf scat: it may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.
