If bison move outside the park's northern boundary and into the Gardiner, Mont., area, Yankee Jim Canyon forms a natural
Hard winter spurs Yellowstone bison herds’ migration In severe winters like this one, hundreds of bison seek relief from the deep snow. Yankee Jim Canyon
Gardiner
Arrows indicate bison migration Tower Jct.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Canyon Village
Hebgen Lake
If bison move outside the st We nce park’s northern ra ent boundary and into the Gardiner, Mont., area, Yankee Jim Canyon forms a natural gauntlet that enables wildlife managers to contain the herd with the help of a cattle guard. Hebgen Lake is a natural holding area for bison that leave the park’s western boundary at West Yellowstone. Sources: National Park Service, Tribune research
About Yellowstone bison
Grant Village West Yellowstone Old Faithful
0
NT. MO O. WY HO IDA H UTA
O. COL
M
10 ILES
History • Yellowstone is the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Migration • When and where they migrate depends on abundance of bison, quality and quantity of summer forage and winter snowpack. The northern herd moves beyond the north boundary in severe winters. Mortality • On average, 9 out of 100 adult bison will die during winter. Generally, these animals entered winter in poor condition due to age, disease or injuries. As many as 20 to 40 of every 100 firstyear bison may die from accidents, winter exposure or predation. The Salt Lake Tribune
