Skywatch Friday: Bison Jams

A couple days ago I had an appointment at the Yellowstone Park headquarters in Mammoth.  I left three hours early to make the two hour drive from West Yellowstone to Mammoth.


Along the route I encountered not one, but two bison jams.


For the first bison jam the traffic was backed up behind the herd for miles and miles until they moved off the road into a beautiful green meadow.


The bison are migrating right now.  Three herds are in Yellowstone and they migrate clockwise in the park.  They are smart enough to take the path of least resistance which is the roads.  Much easier than trying to walk through the forest.


The second bison jam I encountered was moving in the opposite direction in the road construction zone between Norris and Mammoth.


Needless to say I missed my appointment because it took 4 1/2 hours to get to Mammoth.  It's okay though because there isn't anything much cuter than a mother bison and her calf also known as a "red dog".


In Yellowstone we are visitors in the Park.  This is their home.


On the way back I got stopped at the construction site and had to wait for about 30 minutes--not for bison, but for the pilot truck.  I was the first in line and this guy made a dash across the road.  I was the only one that got to see him and it was a special treat.

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Comments

Carol On The Lake said…
Great shots of bison and of course the final bear pic
June 21, 2018 at 4:44 PM
Spare Parts and Pics said…
How lucky to see that bear crossing the road! I would not like the traffic jams, but the bison sure make me smile! I'm happy their populations are doing so well.
June 21, 2018 at 5:42 PM
carol l mck said…
wow! ~ What an adventure for you ~ and wonderful photos ~ love bison and little 'red dog'.

Happy Weekend coming to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
June 21, 2018 at 6:02 PM
Andrea said…
Isn't it scary to encounter those creatures? They look so fierce. They can even nudge the car so easily.
June 21, 2018 at 8:00 PM
Jim said…
Amazing wildlife shots.
June 21, 2018 at 11:10 PM
s.c said…
Is everybody taking the road now? Looks stunning.
June 22, 2018 at 2:57 AM
biebkriebels said…
What a treat to see them so close by passing.
June 22, 2018 at 3:06 AM
Thomas Lee said…
Looks like a Bull/Bison run
June 22, 2018 at 6:35 AM
DrillerAA said…
What better excuse for missing an appointment than a "Bison Jam" and a bear. Nicely captured.
June 22, 2018 at 7:59 AM
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
Great photos, I remember traffic going slowly through the park.
June 29, 2018 at 4:55 PM
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