Hayden Valley is one of those few places left where you can almost imagine what it must have been like before our continent was irrevocably altered, and the vast herds of wildlife were decimated ruthlessly. Large herds of Bison (Bison bison), grizzlies, moose, elk, deer, coyote, wolves, and many other mammals and bird life, make this land home. To hike through here is a thrill, and a caution. Hiking through grizzly country should never be taken lightly, but should not be blown out of perspective either.

This particular image has been a favorite of many.

Are "buffalo" the same as "bison"? Well, "buffalo" is a common name for "Bison bison" and has been in use for nearly two hundred years. Though some may object to the name "buffalo", this common name has stuck and to use it simply allows most of the public to identify with "bison" through its use. Isn't that what a common name is for? If we all have to speak using scientific terminology for flora and fauna it would be a difficult world to live in; lets face it, it isn't going to happen. So use the term "buffalo" if you wish, guilt free! Let the hard liners gnash their teeth id they must.

Bison are magnificent animals and mean many things to many people. To me, bison are the ultimate symbol of power and survival, qualities reflected in the indomitable American Spirit. Every time we visit bison country we are spellbound by these incredible creatures. To look into their huge brown eyes leaves a magical, and lasting impression. Sheryl and I watch endlessly as bison go about their lives...feeding, battling, moving in unison, chewing their cud, lulling you into complacency, feeding their young, running across open plains, crossing bodies of water, and just being bison. We have even watched bison stare down and chase off grizzlies! Now that is something to see. Not many creatures can create a spectacle such as that. Thank God bison still exist.

Bison have very powerful physiques and should never be taken lightly. Do NOT be fooled by there nonchalant and lazy behavior. Bison can explode into a furious mass of power and agility. The last time we visited bison country we watched as a vehicle encroached on the personal space of two huge male bison as the bison were crossing the road. These two bison erupted into a fury of kicking hooves and flying soil. If those folks in the car had been on foot, they would have been tossed or stomped for sure. Let bison do their thing and do not harass them. Keep in mind the old adage; when bison raise their tail, they are either going to charge, or discharge. You make the call. How does a bison cross the road? Any way it wants to! For more information regarding the natural history of this species try the Greater Yellowstone Coalition publication, Field Guide: North American Bison.

Bison have had a particularly difficult time over the last 150 years. It is estimated that there may have been as many as 65 million bison roaming the continent prior to European arrival! What a sight this must have been. One can only imagine. However, by the late 1880's, the once countless bison herds had been reduced to virtual extinction. Along with the bison went Native American culture, and many species of wildlife that once made this ecosystem whole and vibrant. It is amazing to me that some folks are surprised to realize that bison still do exist in the wild and not only in zoos. Fortunately for some forward thinking individuals at the end of the nineteenth century, Bison bison narrowly escaped the terrible fate of extinction. The twentieth century was certainly more favorable to the bison than what could have been, but small consolation given the very restricted range and intolerance still shown to this magnificent species.

To this day, bison are caught up in a whirlwind of intolerance and unreasonable, anthropocentric, expectations, and bison, a national treasure, pay the ultimate price with their lives. For information regarding the current status of Bison in and around Yellowstone National Park go to the Buffalo Field Campaign web site.

Happy trails!