As Yellowstone roads open, bison are again regulating traffic

USA Today

05-05-2025

As Yellowstone roads open, bison are again regulating traffic
The speed limit in most of Yellowstone National Park is 45 mph. But if bison are utilizing the roads, obviously, the speed limit is dictated by the iconic beasts.
Trent Sizemore, a photographer and guide based in West Yellowstone, on Saturday shared footage of a lone bison strolling down a highway as traffic slowly increased behind the animal.
'Yellowstone bison keeping the traffic in check,' Sizemore described via Instagram.
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This snapshot of a few moments in Yellowstone is a sign of things to come as park crowds increase over the next few months.
Visitors might encounter bison herds commuting on highways as if they own the place (which, in a sense, they do).
Or tourists might simply have to wait a few minutes (or longer) for bison to cross a highway, one after another, often simply to graze on the opposite side.
This being spring, "red dog" calves will also be present, and calves can also cause bison jams. Last May, during one of my visits, a single red dog bison held up traffic for three minutes.
These are experiences most tourists enjoy, especially if they're nearest the colossal critters and can hear their grunts, and hooves clomping on pavement.
Those planning to visit Yellowstone for the first time this spring and summer will almost certainly encounter bison, as roughly 5,000 bison reside in the park. They should plan to obey posted speed limits, of course, for their safety and that of the animals.
But they should also obey speed limits dictated by bison and possibly elk or bears.