2007 Q & A
June 12, 2007
Do you have labored breathing in the higher elevations of Yellowstone? What other affects of elevation does your body experience? Stewart, Graham Middle School, Alamance Co.
Yes! We have all experienced shortness of breath caused by the lower level of oxygen available at the higher altitudes. Some of us have even had nose bleeds and slightly sore throats—though these may be caused by the low humidity, not the elevation. The hiking has tired several of us, but has proved to be worth the effort.
We saw a movie where a bison tossed a tourist in the park. How close to people will bison come? Isaac, Lakeside High School, New Hanover Co.
The danger is not how close bison come to people, but how close people come to bison. We saw one person reach through their car window to try to touch a bison, which was grazing along the side of the road. Near Petrified Tree, we saw a family stand on either side of a bison and get within 10 feet of it. You should never be closer than 25 yards from most wildlife; 100 yards from bears.
How do the animals react when they hear or see humans? Michelle, Leesville Road High School, Wake Co.
Many animals do not seem affected by the crowds viewing them. Bison graze, lie in the sun and walk down the roadways. Coyotes enter picnic areas. Black bears meander past people in their cars. Wolves remain elusive—we spotted one in Lamar Valley, but he was about ½ mile away.
This black bear did not seem to be affected by passing cars as it walked along the side of the road.
(Photo taken by Melissa Dowland—from inside a van—during the 2007 Yellowstone Ecology Institute.)
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