Meet Thunder & Lightning, The Bulls That Lead Wyoming’s Iconic State Bison Herd

When tourists can’t find any bison in Yellowstone National Park, they can head to Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

For more than 100 years, Wyoming’s official bison herd has roamed the red hills of the state park. The 640 acres these beasts call home are dubbed the Bison Pasture and are covered with native grass and sunflowers.

The 15 bison — two bulls and 13 cows — that comprised the original herd had first arrived in May 1916, taking the train into town instead of traveling by hoof.

Once in Thermopolis, cowboys arrived at the railroad corral to usher the mighty animals to their new home in what was then known as the Hot Springs Reserve.

It is only appropriate that Wyoming has its own official herd, said Hot Springs State Park Superintendent Chris Delay.

“Bison screams