the first US national park, established in 1872, and one of the largest. It covers about 3 500 square miles/9 065 square kilometres in north-west Wyoming and parts of Idaho and Montana . It has many wild animals, including bears and buffalo, and is famous for its fine scenery, hot springs and geysers (= underground hot springs that shoot hot water or steam up into the air). The park was made a World Heritage Site in 1978.
See also Old Faithful .