TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 191 WEST YELLOWSTONE

HIGHWAY 191 OUTSIDE WEST YELLOWSTONE

Coming home from Bozeman last week we were less than 8 miles from home when we encountered this big fellow crossing the highway.  It is extremely important at this time of year to be extra careful if you are traveling this stretch of the highway - especially at night.

This is the time of year when the bison - some loners and some in herds - are migrating from the deep snow of Yellowstone to the Horse Butte area in search of food that is easier to get to.

Some of the meadows in the National Park are still covered in deep, deep snow.  The Horse Butte area and even the shoulder of the highway offer them easy picking as far as being able to find food.

Unfortunately, the bison do not understand that there is traffic on this major highway.  All they know is that they are hungry and they know they have traditionally found food on the Butte and along the road.

Please, when you come here to visit, remember that they are the residents and YOU are the visitor.  If you get frustrated because you have to give them room on the road just try to relax - get the camera out - and enjoy the site you are seeing.  

After all, it is not on every major highway you can be brought to a stop while bison amble across the road in front of you!