Yellowstone National Park is seriously stunning. But it’s also home to some seriously tough animals like the bison! These big, shaggy creatures are like a symbol of the park, and watching them handle the brutal winter is just incredible. Very recently, a viral video has emerged of a frozen bison tromping through the snow along with other animals doing the same. The incredible video was shot by photographer Drew Simms who braved freezing temperatures of -37°F (-38.3°C) in Yellowstone Park in Wyoming at -37°F (-38.3°C). The stunning capture is amazing.
Built for the Blizzard: Bison Winter Survival Skills

Turns out, bison are basically built for winter. They’ve got this super-thick fur coat – it’s like wearing a down parka all the time! It’s got two layers: a coarse outer layer that keeps snow and wetness out, and a soft, fluffy underlayer that traps all that precious body heat.
But that’s not all! These guys have a few other tricks up their furry sleeves. Being big helps them hold onto their heat better, and they’re pros at finding food, even when it’s buried under a ton of snow. They use their strong hooves like shovels to dig down to the grasses and plants underneath. Pretty clever, right?
The Video
Simms video captured the essence of winter in Yellowstone perfectly. Speaking about his experience to the media, he said “I was lucky enough to spend just over a week around Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming last winter. Weather was brutal with temps reaching almost -40°F! I spent time photographing and filming some of my all-time favorite wildlife experiences. Including frozen bison, multiple coyotes, mountain goats, big horn sheep, and many of the geysers around the park. Hands down one of my most memorable winter camping trips of my life.”
Warm Spots: Yellowstone’s Natural Heaters
Yellowstone’s famous geothermal areas are a lifesaver for the bison in winter. Those steaming hot springs and geysers aren’t just cool to look at; they create little pockets of warmth where the bison can escape the freezing wind. It’s like a natural spa day for them! Hanging out near these warm spots helps them save energy and stay toasty. Trudging along side the Bison, the video shows other animals like such as mountain goats, big horned sheep, bobcats, and coyotes basically all hunting for food.
A Long History: Bison and Yellowstone

Bison and Yellowstone go way back. They’ve been roaming these lands for thousands of years, and they play a super important role in keeping the whole ecosystem healthy. Their grazing helps keep the grasslands in good shape, which is good for other animals too. Plus, just by walking around and munching on plants, the bison change the landscape in a good way. They create openings in the forest that let sunlight reach the ground, which helps new plants grow. They’re like little landscapers!
Seeing these bison brave the Yellowstone winter is a real testament to how tough and adaptable they are. With their amazing coats, smart ways of finding food, and the help of those geothermal hot spots, they’re perfectly suited to live in one of America’s wildest places. They’re a vital part of what makes Yellowstone so special.