Bison swarm Grand Teton roads

Grand Teton National Park is warning motorists to slow down and keep an eye out for bison on the road. Because of snow and rough winter conditions, bison are moving within the park to find food. Lately, they say the animals have been using U.S. Highway 89 as their travel pathway. Grand Teton Superintendent David Vela said park rangers, wildlife biologists, and road crews have been helping the bison navigate safely. They have also provided plowed areas for them to the move about. Park rangers believe on bull bison was killed by a semi-truck early Saturday morning north of Deadman’s Bar. On Saturday, park road crews plowed the Antelope Flats Road to facilitate safe movement of bison. The road remains closed to vehicle travel, other than a one-mile section that is routinely plowed from U.S. Highway 89. Variable message signs have been placed along U.S. Highway 89 alerting drivers to be alert to bison on the road and drive with caution. If motorists meet bison on a roadway, please reduce speed and when safe, pass animals slowly to avoid further stress on the wildlife. Visitors are required to maintain a safe distance when viewing bison, 25 yards at a minimum. The safe viewing distance for bears and wolves is 100 yards, while all other wildlife should be given at least 25 yards of space. Please use a pullout or parking lot to view wildlife, and use binoculars and telephoto lens. It is important to not disturb or create excess depletion of an animal’s energy during the winter.