{"id":7034,"date":"2013-03-29T02:22:10","date_gmt":"2013-03-29T08:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yellowstonegate.com\/?p=7034"},"modified":"2013-03-28T16:25:29","modified_gmt":"2013-03-28T22:25:29","slug":"commentary-watch-for-bison-on-roads-during-yellowstone-regional-spring-migration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yellowstonegate.com\/?p=7034","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: Watch for bison on roads during Yellowstone regional spring migration"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A<\/a>
A trio of bison make their way along a highway near Yellowstone National Park. (Ruffin Prevost\/Yellowstone Gate – click to enlarge)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yellowstone Gate publishes occasional guest commentaries on topics of interest to our readers. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of this publication.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Stephany Seay<\/h3>\n

Traveling to the West Yellowstone, Mont. area? Be advised: the wild bison migration is underway, and bison are currently on or near the highways, day and night.<\/p>\n

Moving toward their calving grounds, members from the central herds of Yellowstone National Park roam out of the park’s high-elevation, snow-covered lands into the exposed, south-facing slopes of Horse Butte and surrounding lands in the Madison River corridor. Enjoy the experience of this awesome annual event.<\/p>\n

People traveling on Highway 191 from Fir Ridge south to West Yellowstone should be prepared to take a few extra minutes. Bison also travel along Highway 287 from the 191 Junction to Kirkwood, and Highway 20 from West Yellowstone to Targhee Pass.<\/p>\n

As the continent’s ancient buffalo traces have become many of our major and minor highways, this unfortunately means that some bison never make it to their natal lands, but instead end up at the dump after being killed by speeding motorists. Six bison have already been struck and killed by motorists this season, five of these within 72 hours, and all at night.<\/p>\n

Because of their dark color and eye placement, bison are extremely hard to see at night, often not until it is too late.<\/p>\n

Warnings and lower speed limits are in place in many locations, and wisdom will encourage you to heed these. The Montana Department of Transportation gives general warnings with “Caution: Animals on Road” marquees in significant locations, as well as “Bison on Road: 55mph” warning signs. Signs are generally up from winter through spring.<\/p>\n

Buffalo Field Campaign<\/a> takes things even further, becoming bison crossing guards. We rove the highways in bison migration corridors and set up our highly visible hot pink signs warning “Buffalo Ahead,” “Buffalo on Road” or “Buffalo X-ing” when bison are on or next to the road. If you see these hot pink signs, there are bison ahead!<\/p>\n

Some helpful hints:<\/p>\n