YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – It’s not clear what sparked this bison stampede, but it’s pretty clear that the people running in the opposite direction made the right choice.
Yellowstone has around 3,000 to nearly 6,000 bison within the park, made up of two primary breeding herds. A male bull can weight up to 2,000 pounds while a female might weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They can run up to 35mph, and pivot quite quickly, so you don’t want to be the target of their charge.
As with any animal within Yellowstone, space is the number one way to keep yourself safe. Bison, elk, and other animals should be given at least 25 yards of space, while bears and wolves should be given 100 yards. If you come across a wildlife jam (traffic jam caused by animals near the road), stay with your vehicle, preferably inside for safety.