Bison look calm and slow. They are neither: they can run around 30 mph and injure more visitors in Yellowstone than any other animal.
Where to photograph bison
- Yellowstone National Park: Lamar and Hayden Valleys hold large herds year-round.
- Grand Teton National Park: Antelope Flats and the Elk Ranch flats.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota): badlands bison against eroded hills.
- Custer State Park (South Dakota): a large free-roaming herd; the annual roundup in late September.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma).
Safe distance
Yellowstone requires staying at least 25 yards (23 m) from bison and elk. More is better. Watch for warning signs: a raised tail, head bobbing, pawing the ground, snorting or turning to face you. If a bison changes its behavior because of you, back away.
Seasons
- Spring: reddish "red dog" calves (April–June).
- Summer: the rut in July–August, with dust wallowing and bellowing.
- Winter: frost-covered coats and steam in the cold — some of the most striking images.
Lenses and settings
- 200–600 mm keeps you at a safe distance and fills the frame.
- 1/500 s for walking animals; 1/2000 s for running or dust-throwing bulls (see the motion blur calculator).
- Get low (from a safe spot) for eye-level portraits.
- Backlight at sunrise makes breath and dust glow.
From the car
Roads through bison habitat are often the best blinds. Pull fully off the road, stay in the vehicle when animals are close and never block traffic.
About 1 min read · Updated 2026-10-20