American bison, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest publicly owned bison herd in the United States. These iconic animals have roamed the park's vast grasslands and meadows for centuries, and their presence is essential to the park's ecosystem.

Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, and they play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature in Yellowstone. Bison graze on grasses and other plants, which helps to keep the grasslands healthy and prevents the growth of invasive shrubs and trees. Bison also help to disperse seeds and nutrients, which benefits other wildlife and plants in the ecosystem.

Bison are also an important part of the cultural heritage of Yellowstone National Park. Native American tribes have revered bison for centuries, and bison continue to hold a special place in Native American culture today.

History of bison in Yellowstone

Bison have lived in Yellowstone National Park since prehistoric times. However, their populations were decimated in the late 19th century by overhunting and market hunting. By 1902, there were only about 25 bison left in the park.

Thanks to the efforts of conservationists, the bison population in Yellowstone has rebounded significantly. Today, there are over 5,000 bison in the park. However, bison management in Yellowstone remains a complex issue. Bison are susceptible to brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted to cattle. As a result, park officials sometimes have to cull bison herds to prevent the spread of brucellosis to livestock.

Seeing bison in Yellowstone

Bison are one of the most popular wildlife attractions in Yellowstone National Park. Bison can be seen throughout the park, but they are most commonly spotted in the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

When viewing bison, it is important to stay at least 75 yards away from the animals. Bison are wild animals, and they can be unpredictable. It is also important to never feed bison. Feeding bison can change their natural behavior and make them more likely to approach people.

Other wildlife in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including elk, wolves, bears, moose, and pronghorn antelope. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds.

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic wildlife in North America. 

FAQ

What is special about the bison in Yellowstone?

Here are some other special things about the bison in Yellowstone:

• They are one of the most iconic wildlife species in North America.
• They are very hardy animals and have adapted to live in a variety of habitats, including the high-altitude grasslands and meadows of Yellowstone.
• They are social animals and live in herds of up to 1,000 individuals.
• They are herbivores and graze on grasses, sedges, and other plants.
• They play an important role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.
• They are a popular tourist attraction and help to generate revenue for the park.

How many people died in the Yellowstone bison attack?

One person has died in a Yellowstone bison attack in recent years. In May 2023, a 25-year-old woman was gored and tossed into the air by a bison near Old Faithful. She suffered multiple severe injuries and died at the scene.