Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and this is the most popular spot for watching wildlife. Millions of shorebirds occupy the island's coastline. The inland territory is full of free walking animals, like American bison, California bighorn sheep, mule deer, and speedy pronghorn antelope. Although the island is mainly popular because of bison watching, these animals are not native here. Twelve individuals were brought here in 1893. Today's number of these animals ranges from 550 to 700 individuals.
The herd is significant because it is the largest and oldest publicly owned bison herd in the nation. It is managed by the state of Utah.
Bison can be observed on the Antelope Island all year round. However, late October could be a good chance to watch the bisons at the roundup.
Another spot in Utah is the Henry Mountains bison herd, which consists of 300-500 animals. Visitors can come and watch these animals any time of the year. The Henry Mountains bison herd can frequently be spotted along the South Summit Ridge of Mt. Ellen during the summer months.
Generally, summer is a good time for bison watching in all the locations as it's when the calves are born and roam around.
Practical info
What is the recommended time to observe bisons on Antelope Island?
Antelope Island is a great place for bison watching throughout the year. However, the best time to spot them is in the summer when the calves are born and wandering around. One exciting chance to watch the bisons is during the Roundup in late October to see them gathered up. It's important that visitors are aware that the bison are not native to the area, but were brought to Antelope Island in 1893, and have survived in the area since then. Show more
What's the range size of the Antelope Island bison herd?
Antelope Island is home to the largest and oldest bison herd in the country, owned and managed by the Utah state. The bison herd consists of around 550 to 700 individuals. Visitors can spot these bison wandering around the island's inland territory throughout the year along with other animals like mule deer, California bighorn sheep, and the fast pronghorn antelope. Show more
When are visitors permitted to watch bison in Utah?
Utah visitors can watch bison all year round. The Henry Mountains bison herd, which has 300 to 500 animals, is another place for visitors to see bison other than Antelope Island. However, summer is the perfect season to visit and observe newborn calves playing around with their family, and the best chance to see them at Henry Mountains is also during the summer months. Show more
What's the significance of Antelope Island's bison herd?
Antelope Island's bison herd is the largest and oldest publicly owned bison herd across the country, with 12 bisons imported from the Yellowstone region in 1893. The state of Utah manages the herd, which has a herd range of 550 to 700 individuals. Along with other animals like the mule deer, California bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope, tourists can enjoy watching these bison roam around the island's inland territory throughout the year. Show more
Where is another place to spot bison other than Antelope Island?
Visitors can also see bison at the Henry Mountains bison herd, a group of about 300 to 500 animals in size. Tourists can observe these animals all year round, but summer is a great time to see them. This is also an opportunity to play with newborn calves and spot the animals frequently along the South Summit Ridge of Mt. Ellen. Show more
