Spring Is the Prime Season for Viewing Newborn Bison

Few sights are as thrilling to see as newborn bison in the spring. It takes all the willpower Karen can muster NOT to get out of the truck and give one a big hug. She is well aware it’s not a good idea, but I still keep an eye on the door lock button whenever we slow down to take a look at them.

If you enjoy seeing bison on your road trips as much as we do, then highlight late April through May on your calendar. This is when the newborns arrive.

Most arrive at about the same time

Bison usually give birth within a few weeks of each other as a survival tactic. This timing helps protect the young’uns and creates a short window when the herds are alive with color and movement.

And they are easy to spot

If you visit places like the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone or the grasslands of Antelope Island in April, you may notice flashes of bright orange moving through the dark herds. These are newborn calves, often called “red dogs” for their cinnamon-colored coats. The contrast makes them easy to spot, even from a distance.

Bison calves are also mobile almost immediately. They can stand within minutes and keep up with the herd the same day they are born. That constant motion is part of what makes spring such a good time to watch them.

Their red coloring doesn’t last long. By early summer, their coats turn dark as they blend into the herd. By July, the calves no longer stand out.

Where to find bison on public land

If you’re planning a road trip and want to view these magnificent animals, see our list of ten places to find bison in the West.