December 23, 2024
We headed out early in hopes of catching the sunrise in Lamar Valley then a full day of looking for wildlife! The sky’s were filled with snow clouds so the sunrise was nonexistent but we continued on the snowy roads in search of wildlife. We were not disappoint as just a few mile into the Lamar Valley we came across our first heard of Bison. They are truly magnificent animals!!
Bison were hunted to almost extinction in Yellowstone and in our county going from millions to only 1000 at the beginning of th 1900’s. In 1902 Yellowstone began a program to preserve this wild species, they began with just 21 animals that they housed in the Lamar valley this original herd grew and the population of Bison in Yellowstone is now near 5,500 beautiful creatures. The Bison roam in hearts throughout the park with the large heads populating the rolling hills of the Lamar Valley. They have huge heads and furry legs that they use to plow though the snow in search of food during the winter. The huge hump just behind their head is part of their spinal system and is the support for their massive heads. There is not a lot of snow in the park right now but I was blessed with seeing one with a snow covered face that was forging for food on the side of the road!!! We also got to be a part of a Bison traffic jam as a herd decided to use the road to move to another feeding ground.
Do you know how to tell a girl bison from a boy (besides the obvious)? Girl Bison horns curls, hence our guides phase…..Girls have curls!!
We continued on looking for other wildlife including the elusive Grey Wolf but they all decided to take the day off. A bit disappointed but the valley is so beautiful it is hard not to be constantly amazed. We are so blessed that our ancestors knew how special this place is and made a choice to preserve it for us. We can only hope that we will make the same choices for future generations.
Before lunch we stopped in the even tinier burg of Silver Gate to visit the home and studio of accomplished wildlife photographer Dan Hartman. He puts cameras up throughout the park to capture wildlife. He shared some of the amazing video he has collect of bears and other wildlife!! Incredible to watch bears play like no one is watching!!
Next we headed to Cooke City, a tiny town just outside the park gate for our boxed lunch at the Motel 8. Since it’s is winter there is little open in this one street town.
After lunch the sun came out for a bit for our drive back to Mammoth! We arrived back just before dark after a very special day with the Bison.
The yellow vehicle was the original snow coach used to explore the park in the winter. Tomorrow we head off in much newer snow coaches to off-road in search of wildlife. I am hopeful that we will see Grey Wolves!!!
Fabulous photos! How cool to do this in the winter, especially when it’s not too bad and you can get around more easily. Fingers crossed you get to see the wolves! We only got to see the beautiful Bison while there, and also got to Cooke City Coffee, cool little town. From there to Red Lodge I’d the Bear Tooth Highway, one of the most scenic (and hairy) rides in the country. We went eastward, but the best views are westward, although there are plenty of places to stop and look back. A must do someday if you aren’t going this trip. What a great place to spend Christmas!!
Merry Christmas