Here Come The Bison!

We were caught in a roadblock. The bison crowded the streets of Yellowstone, leaving us with no choice but to sit in our cars and wait for them to move along. Yellowstone National Park is home to wildlife, especially bison that make a statement as they roam the roads, causing havoc to tourists.

Some laid down in the middle of the way, and others walked alongside vehicles peering through windows at the passengers. Their mean-looking, intimidating faces showed no sign of going anywhere. Looking at them, up close was a benefit to see the features of these massive animals that I mistook for buffalo. The American Bison has a large hump on its shoulder, smaller horns than a buffalo, a thick, shaggy coat that sheds in the warm summer months, and a long scraggly beard. Their coats were in the process of shedding at the time we were there in June.

My husband Bill and I were on vacation at Yellowstone National Park with our friends, Eric and Diane. Being our first visit, we were eager to see wildlife. The traffic came to a crawl and then stopped driving towards Madison Valley. We didn't know what the hold-up was but found out soon enough. There was a herd of thirty to forty bison blocking the road for 1½ hours. At first, we were excited to experience the sight of wildlife but eager to get to our first destination in the park.

Later in the evening, we witnessed the bison, both bulls and cows, and their calves swimming across the Madison River. One by one, the animals dipped into the water and swam to the other side. The calves looked hesitant to get into the water but did do so and then shook dry. They frolicked around by their mommies, happy to be back on land. I especially enjoyed watching the calves and felt sad for them having to plunge into cold water but happy for them when they made it to the other side.

Afterward, the bison headed up a hill and onto the road in the middle of oncoming vehicles. They do not look before crossing; this is their territory, and cars need to look for the bison. Here we go again! Bison and their calves wandered on and off the road, slowing traffic with no purpose nor hurry to go anywhere. One was lying down on the left side of the road blocking traffic. Luckily, we were on the right and could pass. 

A warning was to stay in the car because bison are not friendly and will outrun any human. We remained in the vehicle while snapping photos of these wild, massive creatures.

One thing was for sure; I not only was enlightened of the difference between the buffalo and bison but became familiar with the looks and actions of these beasts. A point of interest was observing the cows showing their maternal instincts to their offsprings by keeping them close and protected. Watching the bison gallivanting around on the roads claiming their territory, lying down in front of vehicles implying that this is their home, not ours, and swimming across the waters in a herd was an eye-opener and learning experience. 

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park. Now onto exploring the geysers!

By Linda A. Egelston