Visitors to Yellowstone are almost certainly going to see a bison
Hours before I took this photograph it was snowing. It was one of those spring days with dramatic temperature swings. By afternoon, it was sunny and in the 50’s Fahrenheit. The bison were enjoying the warmth.
This photograph was taken in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park. This is an iconic area for large animals, although there are many throughout Yellowstone National Park. Visitors to Yellowstone are almost certainly going to see a bison, if not many. Visitors are also likely see elk. Additionally, there are regular sightings of mule deer and pronghorn. Moose, bear, and wolves are around but lesser seen by visitors.
The majestic bison were down to ~24 individuals in Yellowstone Park roughly a century ago. They were on the brink of extinction. According to Yellowstone data, in the recent years the population of bison in Yellowstone has fluctuated between 3,000 and 6,000. Yellowstone is a special place for the bison. It is the only place in the continental United States that has had free ranging bison since prehistoric times.
The males can grow to 2,000 pounds, while the females grow to around 1,000 pounds. If the bison are lucky they can live as long as 15-20 years. Almost all of the female bison in Yellowstone get pregnant in the summer and have their calf in April or May. Within about forty minutes, the newborn is standing on its own.
The males can grow to 2,000 pounds
[Bison] gracefully stampede through traffic
It is common for the bison to walk on the roads throughout Yellowstone National Park. As they walk or run next to your vehicle you can feel their power. They gracefully stampede through traffic. This can be dangerous so stay alert anytime you are near large animals like bison. Keep in mind, these massive animals can run up to 30 miles per hour!
I visited Yellowstone in late April into early May. It was right before calving season, which I hear is a busy time of year for the park. There was heavy snow in the morning one day. We noticed the bison moved toward the hot spring areas. They do this because the grass in these areas is accessible without having to dig through snow.
Did you know?
- Yellowstone was the first National Park, established in 1872!
- The best place to see a bison in Yellowstone according to the park is Hayden and Lamar Valleys. Bison are there year-round.
- During times of heavy snow, the bison will use their heads like a snowplow and drive it down through the deep snow to get to the grass.
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