It’s National Park Week and we’re excited to share virtual visits to some of our country’s greatest treasures. Our first national park, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, was established in 1872 to protect the area’s incredible natural scenery, unique geothermal features and wonderful wildlife. Every day, bison herds move through picturesque valleys and geysers erupt in towering clouds of steam. Each visit to Yellowstone – and all our national parks – is a chance to see something new and connect yourself to the natural world and generations of human history. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

No, the bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming haven’t learned to fly. Yet. Despite weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, bison are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. They can jump over objects 5 feet high and have excellent hearing, vision and sense of smell. Photographer Alex Walczak witnessed their power when he took this wonderful picture, “There was a whole group of them rolling around and I noticed a young bison running all over the place on the hill. I got this photo while it was in the middle of jumping and kicking like a bronco. After about 5 minutes of racing around, this young bison calmed down.” We guess it just needed to burn off some energy. Photo courtesy of Alex Walczak

Happy birthday to us! On March 3, 1849, Congress passed a bill creating the Department of the Interior to take charge of the nation’s internal affairs. Interior’s diverse mission – which includes conserving and managing our public lands, wildlife and cultural heritage, providing scientific solutions, powering our nation’s future and honoring trust responsibilities to our nation’s first people – has earned it the nickname “The Department of Everything Else.” With the stalwart bison as our symbol, the Interior family is proud to serve the American people. Photo by John Carr, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Thanks to photographer Josh Packer for this wonderful photo showing two of the icons of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. A shaggy bison finds some warmth near the erupting geyser: Old Faithful. Even though they’re well adapted for winter survival, the bison probably enjoys a short break from the cold in the steamy spray. Photo courtesy of Josh Packer.

Happy Thanksgiving! Among the many things we’re thankful for, America’s public lands are near the top of the list. From sea to shining sea, we’re grateful for gorgeous mountains, pristine waters, enchanting forests, sublime deserts, fascinating history, wonderful wildlife and endless opportunities for recreation and connecting with the outdoors. From everyone on Interior’s hardworking team, have a safe and fun Thanksgiving. Photo from Yellowstone National Park by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

The American bison is our national mammal and a symbol of the Department of the Interior. Rugged and resilient, bison are surprisingly agile, able to jump fences and run up to 35 miles an hour. Recovering from near extinction, 17 bison herds can be found on public lands across the West. They are a wonder to see in the wild and we’re proud to feature them on National Bison Day. Photo of bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming courtesy of Travis O’Brien.

A bison roams the golden grasses at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, one of our largest urban wildlife refuges. Only about 20 minutes from the Denver airport, take the 11-mile Wildlife Drive and keep your eyes peeled for bison, mule and white-tailed deer, hawks and waterfowl. Near the visitor center, you can learn more about the refuge’s population of endangered black-footed ferrets and the current conservation work. Whether you’re passing through Colorado or you call this place home, the refuge is yours to explore. Photo by Ian Shive, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reflect on this. From an estimated population of almost 60 million animals roaming throughout North America, bison reached a low of 100 in the wild in the late 1800s. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, the National Bison Range in Montana has played an important role in the successful recovery of these magnificent animals. Mostly rolling grasslands, the range is framed by mountain ranges and spotted with wildlife including elk, deer, pronghorn and bighorn sheep as well as coyotes, mountain lions, bears, bobcats, over 200 species of birds and of course, majestic bison. Photo by Dave Fitzpatrick, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There’s just something special about this Colorado sunset. A herd of bison moves across the grassy plain as the setting sun bathes the valley at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. The magnificent Rocky Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the last bit of light of the day. Open sunrise to sunset, walk the refuge’s 10 miles of trails or take the 11-mile Wildlife Drive in your vehicle to see bison, deer, hawks, waterfowl and more. Photo courtesy of Bob Gjestvang.

Mastering the morning commute is all about timing and patience. With more than 4,000 bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, viewing them from inside the car is often the best and safest option. Just remember, these wild animals are unpredictable, and much like people in traffic, it’s best to give them space. Be sure to pull over and avoid blocking the road to watch wildlife, and please do stay in the car if you encounter one of these incredible “jams”.
Photo: A group of bison surrounds a car as they walk along the road towards Lamar Valley. By Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.