Grand Teton & Yellowstone Bison
Grand Teton Bison Herd
November 8th, 2020
Today, we’re herding up all my remaining photography of bison in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. During our photo tour in Grand Teton, we came across a huge herd roaming free on the range near the town of Kelly, north of the Gros Ventre River. This area made world history in 1925 when the Gros Ventre Landslide — among the largest in the world — occured on Sheep Mountain, which in turn caused massive flooding that wiped out the town.
Kelly has long since recovered and these days is growing slowly as a sleepy suburb of Jackson, located amid the territory of roaming bison. On this morning, about 50+ bison moved east in small groups, with a few calves tagging along. Some of the younger males broke into a run, chasing after each other through the herd, then turning away and running west towards the mountains. We watched for about an hour as the graceful procession passed by and disappeared over a hill.
A few days later, we drove through Yellowstone National Park as we started our route back home. Upon exiting the park in the afternoon, we were confronted by bison rush hour along the Madison River. I stood up out of the sunroof and captured some photos and video of the herd wandering by while the Park Service employees did their best to clear the road. A fantastic chance to see the bison up close from the safety of our vehicle!
Rush Hour, Yellowstone National Park
Rush Hour, Yellowstone National Park
More tomorrow,
Kelly
Post 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 
It’s fun to see them so unconcerned about the human activity around them, they truly feel at their own place. It is a wonderful experience to have seen them move around so closely. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thanks, Lookoom! They do indeed know that they are in control and at home. Such a treat to see them up close.
LikeLike
Your pictures today just made me feel wonderful. Thank you.
LikeLike
Hooray! 🙂 That’s always the intent. Thanks so much!
LikeLike
How amazing to see! What an incredible experience.
LikeLike
Yes, it was! Thanks for reading, katrinature! 🙂
LikeLike
It’s thrilling to be in the middle of a traffic jam with the big critters, Kelly. Particularly liked your video. They were in no hurry to get out of the way of the ranger. 🙂 –Curt
LikeLike
Thanks, Curt! Nothing like a front row seat! And no, the ranger wasn’t making much of a difference. The bison didn’t seem to care much. A peaceful protest, LOL!
LikeLike
A peaceful protest… Laughing. –Curt
LikeLike
Pingback: Take a Guess |
Wow. Both encounters must have been amazing. There’s nothing like seeing wildlife in the wild! Great photos and vids. Alison
LikeLike
Although we were trapped by a herd in Custer State Park, I believe you were actually closer than we were to the animals. I was thrilled to say the least, but also a bit scared. They’re amazing animals, but I didn’t want to get too close!!!
LikeLike
It IS a little scary seeing them up close. I was afraid they were going to walk up on the car hood or something. They’re so huge, it seemed possible!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And we were in a herd of mommas and babies! Yikes! Didn’t want to come between ’em.
LikeLike
What a sighting this was, and thanks for the videos, they made it that much more visual. And yet, what must it feel to have these mighty beasts all around you while you bank on the safety of your car 🙂
In India we often have large herds of domestic cattle and buffaloes which you run into while driving in the rural areas, a poor substitute for the experience you must have had with that herd all around your car 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! Was so great to be able to get some up-close video. With these beasts, being outside the car would be a VERY different experience. A couple of months ago, a woman was charged and literally spun around on the horn of a bison until her pants came off and she landed on the ground (there is video of this online). Not the experience you want to take home from Yellowstone! INSIDE the car is best. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I remember that incident from one of your posts earlier. Not the most graceful way to see wildlife up close, but could have ended far worse …
LikeLike
Pingback: Yellowstone’s Old Faithful |
Pingback: Indonesia Intermission |