Yellowstone to reopen more of the park as bison incidents mount

Yellowstone National Park, which closed temporarily on June 13 because of historic flooding, will reopen the north loop Saturday. The south loop opened June 22.

After the reopening, Yellowstone visitors will enjoy access to 93% of park roadways.

The park also announced Thursday that a 71-year-old woman was gored a day earlier by a bison. The woman, who was hospitalized, became the third victim of a bison attack since May 30.

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Park regulations require tourists to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Images showing the Norris Geyser Basin (top) and bison are courtesy of the NPS

The park also announced that the Alternating License Plate System for entry will be suspended beginning Saturday. The ALPS might be reinstated later this summer if overcrowding becomes an issue.

North loop roads scheduled to reopen include Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs, Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt, and Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon (Dunraven Pass).

The North and Northeast entrances will remain closed to vehicle access, but hikers and anglers can walk into the park via both entrances.

For the time being, vehicle access is only possible via the East, West, and South entrances.

Said Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said: “We’re pleased to reopen the north loop of Yellowstone to the visiting public less than three weeks after this major flood event. We have attempted to balance major recovery efforts while reopening as much of the park as possible.

“We have greatly appreciated the tremendous support of the Department of the Interior; National Park Service; Federal Highway Administration; and our congressional, community, county and state partners.”