Pets are required to remain on leash in Yellowstone National Park, and there’s probably 1000 good reasons why. There are hundreds of dangerous thermal areas, hazardous terrain, and plentiful wildlife that could become agitated by dogs who get too close.
I’m not entirely sure of the context of this video, but this dog should have been on a leash. He may have slipped away, or maybe the owners were just ignorant, but either way, he was nearly killed by the kick of a 2,000lb. bison that had enough of his incessant yapping.
Sounds like the owners were trying to call the dog back, but he was too engaged with trying to scare off the bison.
Why is it always the small dogs that are the most aggressive? Do they all have permanent little-man-syndrome?
Thank goodness this dog was spared, but damn that was a close one.
Yellowstone has published rules and regulations regarding pets within the park. Educate yourself before you visit:
- Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.
- Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long.
- Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
- Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
- Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate.
- Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well being.
- Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste.
You can read more about park rules concerning pets here.