2. Yellowstone National Park, Mont., Wyo. and Idaho. America’s first national park is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times.
Home to approximately 3,500 bison, many are the descendants of the few who survived near-extinction. Social animals that form herds often directed by older females, they are most active during the day. Pay attention to ranger warnings and keep your distance as bison are agile, strong swimmers, and can run 35 miles per hour. Despite their burly build and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, they can jump over objects about 5 feet high and have excellent hearing, vision and sense of smell. You’ll likely spot them in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Also, be on the look out near Pelican Valley, the Lower Geyser Basin and in Gibbon Meadows. Contact: NPS.gov/yell
3. The National Bison Range, Mission Valley, Mont. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, this historic Range sprawls across 18,000 acres and is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. Today, visitors witness a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests, riparian areas and ponds. In addition to herds of bison, the Range supports populations of Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn and bighorn sheep, as well as coyotes, mountain lions, bears, bobcat and more than 200 species of birds. Stop by the visitors center to learn about hiking, scenic drive, photography and fishing opportunities as well as information about current wildlife sightings and flowers in bloom. Contact: FWS.gov/refuge/NationalBisonRange/visit/visitoractivities.html
4. Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, Jackson Hole, Wyo. This guide-owned and operated organization provides year-round wildlife viewing and natural history interpretation to those interested in a close-up view of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s wild creatures in their natural habitat. Offering half day to multi-day safaris, as well as photo safaris, the experienced guides use their knowledge, passion and skills to locate bison as well as elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep and bears in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Contact: JacksonHoleWildlifeSafaris.com.