Where the Bison Roam
October 19th, 2020
Today we masked up, teamed up and explored Grand Teton National Park with a private guide. Cloudy skies provided a moody background of diffused light as we continually scanned the landscape for wildlife. We didn’t see everything we had hoped to, but what we did see was remarkable in one way or another — size, volume or movement. I can’t wait to edit my photos and share more with you in the coming week!
Here’s a glimpse from our last stop of the morning. Bison are North America’s largest and most iconic animal, and they still roam freely throughout Grand Teton National Park. We came across a herd of about 100, moving east, with a few youngsters playfully chasing after each other.
Being here puts you in immediate contact with your own fragility when you see these enormous creatures in the wild, surviving all the threats against them — habitat loss, hunters, predators like wolves and mountain lions, and the harsh reality of winters in Wyoming. Somehow they survive it all, with only their thick hides, instincts and fortitude. I doubt if I could last one night out here!
Tomorrow we travel north for a bit and then begin to make our way back home.
Until then,
Kelly
Photo of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.
compassandcamera.wordpress.com 
This photo has a real visual impact, it really makes to want to see the rest, but first I wish you to enjoy the rest of your trip.
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That’s so kind of you! Can’t wait to share more, hopefully soon. Lots of editing to do.
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Hello.
What a great post. I have seen bison only in a zoo. In my country reindeer roam free on our mountain in Lapland. Example:
North of the Arctic Circle 3
Have a good day!
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Wow, thanks for the link! The reindeer are incredible — especially the white one. Would be hard to find him in the snow, LOL! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading and sahring your thoughts. Hope you have a good day, too!
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You are welcome. Thank you.
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They are so majestic. Man has so decimated their ranks over the centuries, so I’m always happy to see them still roaming free in some spots.
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We saw more than we’ve ever seen before. Was amazing being among them (at a safe distance). Such enormous creatures. Can’t believe they survive the Wyoming winters, too.
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Fabulous shot Kelly. Would love to see this. I’ve seen so little of the US.
Alison
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Yellowstone and Grand Teton is the region to go to, Alison. More wildlife there than anywhere else I’ve been in the US. You would love it!
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Majestic animals! The American bison looks very intimidating. We have here a variety which we call Indian bison (Gaur) which is slightly larger but more like an enlarged ox. These are very very strong and sturdy animals, great sighting!
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I’ll have to look into the Guar. Yes, bison are very intimidating. Most of them aren’t too bothered by human presence but every now and then they stop and look straight at you. Gotta pay attention in case they charge!
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I don’t know how close you actually were, but I love the photos that put me right in the fields with the big guys. My heart would be racing — mostly from excitement of seeing these creatures — but also because I wouldn’t want to set one of them off. Great post!
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We were fairly close to them and they were all moving around a lot. Had to pay close attention to make sure we were never a threat or in their path. They make a lot of noise — grunting and moving around. Fascinating creatures!
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We were both frightened and thrilled when we were held up by a herd of bison in Custer State Park. Have no idea how I avoided a heart attack!
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