Pull over in the Lamar Valley at first light and watch hundreds of bison graze the sagebrush flats of Yellowstone, home to the largest free-roaming herd on public land in the United States. The herd numbers several thousand animals and is the only one in the country to have lived wild since prehistoric times. July and August bring the rut, when bulls bellow and spar in the Hayden and Lamar valleys, and the russet calves arrive from late April.
Up to 96% sighting chance in Lamar and Hayden Valleys, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. Best months: July, August, May.
Bison are in view all year. The rut peaks in July and August, calves are born from late April to May, and in winter the herds stay along the northern road between Gardiner and Cooke City, the only park road open to cars all year.
The Lamar Valley in the northeast and the Hayden Valley in the centre hold the largest groups. Hayden is closed to cars in winter.
The park asks visitors to stay at least 25 yards, about 23 metres, from bison. They can run three times faster than a person, so watch from the roadside pullouts.
No. Bison are easy to see from the park roads in your own car, and a guided wildlife tour adds wolves and bears to the day.
