Buffalo / Bison
Viewing buffalo or bison within the Jackson Hole, Wyoming area is always a thrilling experience for any visitor, lending to the atmosphere of an Old West vacation adventure.
- View herds of bison grazing in the Hayden Valley in Yellowstone
- Traveling along the Madison River, you may spot some bison
- In Yellowstone National Park, you can see newborn calves in the spring in the Lamar Valley
- Spot some buffalo above the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park
Overview
The favored animal of the Old West, the buffalo (bison) crossed over a bridge of land connecting Asia and North America. Moving south, they soon were found in the thousands on the Great Plains. Magnificent beasts, they are a popular sight within the Jackson Hole area.
Interesting Facts
You can see newborn bison calves during the late spring or early summer in Wyoming.
It is estimated that 30 to 75 million buffalo once roamed North America, before buffalo hunting became the chief industry of the plains.
In the spring, you may see buffalo with their hair hanging in tatters, which only means they are shedding their heavy winter coats.
An adult bull bison can reach as high as six feet at the shoulder and weigh 2,000 pounds.
Best Place for Viewing Bison
- Yellowstone National Park
You can always have the pleasure of viewing herds of bison throughout Yellowstone. The best spots are in Hayden Valley, along the Madison River, Firehole River and Gibbon River as well as in the Mud Volcano area. You may catch a glimpse of a calf in Lamar Valley. - Grand Teton National Park
Your best chance of seeing the bison in Grand Teton National Park will be along the Snake River, in the sagebrush flats above the river.
Respecting Wildlife
Here are some points you should take to heart when viewing wildlife:
- Always maintain a safe distance (at least 300 feet) when viewing large wildlife
- Never put yourself between an adult and its young
- Never feed the wildlife. It makes them dependent on humans
- Don’t harass any wild animals
