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 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.

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.

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.

What a view! Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming preserves more than 10,000 hydrothermal features - an extraordinary collection of hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, travertine terraces and geysers. Microorganisms called thermophiles - meaning “heat loving” - live in these features and give the springs their brilliant colors. Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin is larger than a football field and a highlight for every visitor to the park. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

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.