The Bison Encounters Got Real!

Today was our last full day at Yellowstone National Park.  We covered most of the main features across all sections of the expansive Park.  It is a beautiful and diverse, but it is not for the faint of heart.  Many of the roads go up, down and around mountains.  And the wildlife is for real!  Bison sightings elicit oohs and aahs when seen from the comfort and safety of your vehicle.

However, we had a different type of bison encounter this evening.  As seen in the previous post showing the Black Dragon Cauldron, we wrapped up our visit with a trip to the volcano mud pots.  It was getting late and dusk was upon us as we as we were hurrying down the boardwalk path to the van to return to the hotel before it got too dark.  As we came over the top of the last hill in that basin, we were happy to see the van in the distance down the hillside.  About a quarter of the way down, we noticed a bison in a clearing about 15-20 feet off the path.  It appeared to be sleeping.  Given the distance to reverse all the way back through the basin and the fading light, we attempted to walk slowly and silently past the bison.  We could easily hear the bison breathing as we crept forward.  As we approached level with the bison, it raised itself up on its front legs and looked at us.  We, calmly at first, but then with haste raced back up the hillside and didn't look back until be reached a series of steps.  Thankfully, the bison had not followed us.  10-15 minutes later we had reversed the entire course and reached the van without further issue.  A little shaken by the experience, but none the worse for wear.  Definitely not for the faint of heart.