In short, the rumors that American Indians were "afraid" of YNP is a myth. There were no year-round habitants, but that's because Yellowstone is freezing. And, remember, Yellowstone is massive. Certain areas were often inhabited by the very dangerous Blackfeet, and they'd stay away. Other areas were less hospitable, and so weaker bands of tribes (like the Sheepeater Shoshone) were forced into them.
pelfrey34 t1_iz1mbio wrote
Reply to How did Native American tribes indigenous to Yellowstone National Park (e.g., Shoshone, Blackfeet, Crow, etc.) perceive the land (e.g., thoughts on geothermal activity) and what was their relationship like with white/European trappers and explorers entering the region in the early 1800s? by electricdresses
Empire of Shadows by George Black touches on this. https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Shadows-Epic-Story-Yellowstone/dp/1250023203
In short, the rumors that American Indians were "afraid" of YNP is a myth. There were no year-round habitants, but that's because Yellowstone is freezing. And, remember, Yellowstone is massive. Certain areas were often inhabited by the very dangerous Blackfeet, and they'd stay away. Other areas were less hospitable, and so weaker bands of tribes (like the Sheepeater Shoshone) were forced into them.
Here's another good read. https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/land-burning-ground-history-and-traditions-indigenous-people-yellowstone
Fun topic!