Each spring, the energetic and playful bison calves or “red dogs” join the herd. Standing out with their bright reddish-orange coats, their bursts of energy are magical moments. They fill the fields with awkward jumps, uncoordinated sprints, and joyful reactions as they learn and grow. Pictured here is a newborn red dog with mom, just minutes old, fighting against a slight breeze in an attempt to hold itself up for the first time. Photo Yellowstone National Park by Taylor Albright (www.sharetheexperience.org).  

For several weeks, photographer Kate Ochsman has been following the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herds in Yellowstone National Park and shared the experience with us.
“This is the season of the rut. The males intimidate, dominate and eventually fight one another for the championship prize of breeding with the females and passing on his champion’s genes. The bighorn rut is unlike any rut I’ve seen. Elk and bison use brute strength and deafening sound delivered in a chaotic frenzy to intimidate and fight other bulls. Bighorn rams could not be more opposite. Their dominance display is a beautifully choreographed, ancient rocky mountain tango. It’s a dance of stillness, bowing, head nudges, and the very tango like kicking feet-usually aimed at another male’s sensitive bits. The photo above captures a moment of escalation in this tense dance between two friends. The final blow, the crescendo to this intricate dance, erupts with the fury of bashing skulls and horns in a thudded KOHW. The champion, already wearing his crown, enters his kingly right and breeds all the queens, providing another generation of Rocky Mountain princes and princesses.” Photo and words courtesy of Kate Ochsman.

Please remember to give them room and use your zoom #YellowstonePledge

Happy National Wildlife Day! When Robert Cooper was driving through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, he drove down a side road and saw some people focused on something down the river. “I saw an elk running toward us. A woman in the group said, "We better get out of here.” I was thinking, “Why? It’s just an elk.” Then I realized that a large male grizzly was chasing the elk directly toward us. Two seconds later, the elk turned and started swimming across the Snake River with the bear in pursuit.“ What an amazing moment to witness! And a good reminder that respecting wildlife with adequate distance is just one way to honor them and ensure their future. What wildlife have you seen recently? Photo by Robert Cooper (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Happy birthday, National Park Service! Established in 1916 to preserve our national treasures and help tell the American story, the men and women of the National Park Service greet you with a smiling face and helping hand from world famous parks like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to little known historic and cultural sites across the country. So many of us remember our first trips to parks and the powerful stories, amazing sights and thrilling experiences that keep us connected to these special places. Thanks for celebrating with us! Photo at Yellowstone National Park by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

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

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, was established on this day in 1872. Passed by Congress and signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act says “the headwaters of the Yellowstone River… is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale… and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” With incredible geothermal features, amazing wildlife and stunning scenery, there’s no wonder why Yellowstone continues to fascinate us after all these years. Help protect it for future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

Some otter nonsense for your weekend! The playful romping of these river otters at Yellowstone National Park is advantageous for them and fun to watch! These antics help them strengthen their social bonds and improve hunting techniques.

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.

Life is better with each otter! It’s a great time of year to connect with those you love. Photo of two otters at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, courtesy of Trent Sizemore.