Yellowstone National Park

And that's a wrap! Another peak season has come to an end. Most park roads are now closed to vehicles as we prepare for the upcoming winter season. Interior roads will open to snowmobiles and snowcoaches on Dec. 15! go.nps.gov/YELLseasons

When Yellowstone was established in 1872, the National Park Service did not yet exist (and wouldn't until 1916). The park's first civilian superintendents lacked experience, funds, and a workforce to protect the park from exploitation. Eventually, Company M, First U.S. Cavalry of Ft. Custer, Montana Territory, answered the call to come to Yellowstone in 1886. This started the 30+ years of military protection of Yellowstone National Park.

From the beginnings of Yellowstone to modern day, and all the time in between, we thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve in the in a different uniform for the NPS. #VeteransDay

Take a walking tour of the Fort Yellowstone Historic District or check out our virtual tour to learn more: nps.gov/thingstodo/yel…

Photos (from the NPS Historical Archive and Jacob W. Frank):
1. Mounted cavalry drill on Fort Yellowstone's Parade Ground in Mammoth Hot Springs (c. 1910)
2. View of buildings and roads of Fort Yellowstone in Mammoth Hot Springs (c. 1910)
3. NPS rangers speak to visitors at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs

It's #NationalBisonDay, and we've got some bison facts!

1️⃣ Bison are the largest land mammal in North America

2️⃣ Bison may be big, but they're also fast and can run up to 30 mph!

3️⃣ When a bison's tail hangs down and swishes naturally, the bison is usually calm. If the tail is standing straight up, watch out! It may be ready to charge.

4️⃣ Bison love a good salad and are typically foraging for grasses, weeds, and leafy plants for 9–11 hours a day.

5️⃣ Called wallowing, bison roll in the dirt to deter biting flies and help shed fur.

6️⃣ Yellowstone is the only place in the U.S. where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times.

7️⃣ Bison have been integral to Tribal culture, providing them with food, clothing, fuel, tools, shelter and spiritual value. The InterTribal Buffalo Council, established in 1992, works with the NPS to transfer bison from national park lands to Tribal lands. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

You've likely heard of geysers and hot springs, but what about fumaroles?

Fumaroles (or steam vents) are the hottest hydrothermal features in Yellowstone, with temperatures up to 280 F (138 C)! 🔥 Because they are so hot and contain very little water, the water boils away before reaching the surface. Then, steam and other gases emerge from the feature's vent, sometimes making hissing or whistling sounds.

Roaring Mountain is a wonderful place to enjoy the sights and sounds of fumaroles, especially on cooler days!

👉 Learn more about fumaroles at: go.nps.gov/YELLhydrotherm…

Photo (NPS / Ashton Hooker): Roaring Mountain on a chilly winter day.

Have you ever wondered how birds stay warm during winter?

Chickadees grow feathers that can keep them up to 100 degrees F warmer than the surrounding air temperature. Waterfowl exhibit counter-current heat exchange in their limbs, which enables them to stand in cold water. Other adaptations include roosting with heads tucked into back feathers to conserve heat and staying active by retrieving food stored during the autumn months.

👉 Learn more at: nps.gov/yell/learn/nat…

Photos (NPS / Jim Peaco & Jacob W. Frank): (1) Mountain chickadee (2) Mallards on Alum Creek