From grizzly bears to yellow-bellied marmots, Yellowstone National Park is home to a diverse collection of wildlife. Seeing vast herds of bison roaming in the park’s central valley is the highlight of any trip.
About the American Bison
Bison habitat used to stretch from Canada to Mexico, and from what is now eastern Oregon all the way to the Appalachian mountains. Bison were hunted as a food animal by Native Americans, and later for meat, hides and sport by arriving settlers. Over-hunting caused the population to collapse in the late 19th century, and the bison nearly went extinct. Today, wild bison are no longer threatened, though they live almost exclusively within the borders or state and federal parks.
Bison stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder and often weigh more than 2,000 pounds. They charge at speeds up to 30 mph, and can leap more than five feet into the air. Both male and female bison have horns. Though they are often called buffalo, the proper term for the shaggy, brown behemoths that wander the woods and meadows of Yellowstone is “bison.”
Where to see bison in Yellowstone National Park
The best place to see bison in Yellowstone National Park is the 12 mile route from Canyon to Norris. This route travels through a vast, rolling meadow with several ponds where the animals drink and graze. Turnouts at regular intervals allow guests to park for photographs without blocking the road.
Approaching from the Canyon side, you may see solitary bison among the trees. Once in the meadow area, you will see anything from herds numbering in the hundreds, to distant groups of 10 to 15 animals, to singles walking on or near the road. During the spring and early summer, scan the middle of the herd for calves who are smaller and noticeably lighter in color than the adults.
During our trip, the bison were more numerous and closer to the road on cloudy, rainy days. Guests who camp at Norris Campground have reported waking up to find bison grazing just outside their tents or RVs.
Watching bison without risking yourself or your car
Never attempt to touch, feed or ride a bison. Park rules prohibit approaching within 25 feet of the animals, and this is a good thing. Bison may look placid, but they are wild animals whose size, speed and grumpy temperament make them dangerous.
To shoot pictures safely, remain inside your vehicle if the animals are nearby. For distant herds, it is safe to exit the vehicle and use a zoom lens. Leaving the road to walk out into the meadow is not safe.
If you encounter a bison walking on or near the road, slow down and give it some room. If the bison blocks the road entirely, stop and wait for it to move. Do not honk your horn. If the traffic backup becomes serious, rangers will arrive to safely encourage the animal to leave the road.
Taking a bison home
Though wild bison are too dangerous to cuddle, local gifts shops have plenty of adorable plush ones to snuggle instead. With a price tag under $20, this Yellowstone Park Foundation stuffed bison makes the perfect souvenir for any children in your party.