Yellowstone Bison / Buffalo, Pictures

Bison have survived since prehistoric time and are enjoyed by visitors to Yellowstone National Park, celebrated by conservationists, and treasured by Native Americans.

Overview
Bison (American Buffalo) are large animals most recognizable by their bulky body, large head and curved horns. They can weigh up to 2,000 lbs and can be up to 6 feet in length. The long shaggy hair that lies over their shoulders and legs helps to insulate them during the long, hard winters of Yellowstone.

Interesting Facts
Yellowstone has the only free-roaming herds of bison in the United States. Due to vigilant conservation efforts, there are now about 3-4,000 bison in Yellowstone.

The largest mammals in Yellowstone National Park, bison are strictly vegetarian, eating grasses in the valleys, meadows, the foothills, and even the high-elevation, forested plateaus of Yellowstone.

Like their close relatives, domestic cattle and sheep, bison are cloven-hoofed. Both males and females have a single set of hollow, curved horns.

Despite their great size and bulkiness, buffalo have amazing mobility, speed, and agility, and are able to sprint at speeds of up to 30 mph. and can jump 6 feet straight into the air.

In the spring, buffalo begin to shed their heavy winter coats, and soon their hair hangs in tatters. To hasten shedding and possibly to relieve their itching skin, buffalo rub against large stones and trees. By late spring, the only remaining long hairs are on the head, forelegs, and hump.

To escape the torment of attacking insects, buffalo wallow in dust or sand.

Best Places for Viewing Bison
Spring is a popular time to watch for bison, since they generally calf during April or May. The Madison, Firehole and Gibbon River areas are good locations for spotting bison. Hayden Valley near the Yellowstone River, Fishing Bridge, Fountain Flats, Mud Volcano and Lamar Valley are prime viewing areas as well.

Respecting Wildlife
Seeing wildlife is an exciting experience - the first time and every time! Even thought bison appear to be docile, slow and unable to move quickly, do not be fooled. It only takes a running child, barking dog, honking car horn or an approaching person to trigger an animal's "fight or flight" instinct and being “tossed” or “run over” by 2,000 pounds of wild animal is not a pleasant experience.

For your safety and the animal's safety, please learn and follow these basic guidelines when viewing, filming and photographing bison.

• Never approach or follow bison; respect their need for space. This includes not following fresh tracks.
• Do not block their line of travel or escape routes.
• Keep a safe distance from bison (100 feet - the length of three buses)
• Use a telephoto lens, spotting scope and binoculars to get "close".
• Pull well off the road with your vehicle to prevent motor vehicle accidents.
• A vehicle also makes a good "blind" for watching bison, IF YOU STAY INSIDE!
• Respect the special needs of newborn or young animals - leave them alone.