Yellowstone Wildlife - Bison
Bison are almost always on the move and are seen in different areas during different seasons.
Probably the best spot is in Hayden Valley along the Yellowstone River.
Some other spots are along the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon Rivers.
Look for bison in the Fountain Flats area and the Mud Volcano area, also in Lamar Valley.
Lone Bulls are often seen around the Lake Hotel and Fishing Bridge.
By the mid-1800s, the population of American bison had been decimated. From an
estimated high of 60 million animals, the great herds were reduced to a few thousand. The
Yellowstone bison herd became isolated as bison were being exterminated in other parts of
the country.
An adult bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, bulls standing about six feet at the shoulder,
cows about five feet. Both bulls and cows have short horns. Bison have a calm demeanor,
but should not be interpreted as tame. They can be dangerous to those who invade their
privacy. Visitors are injured each year by these powerful animals.
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