July marks National Bison Month and Yellowstone National Park decided to commemorate the occasion with an homage to the theme music from the classic 1990’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The song is as catchy as they come and if you substitute Yellowstone lyrics the next time you’re in the park hopefully you will remember not to be a “human up to no good.” Remember folks, bison injure more people in Yellowstone than any other wildlife. Park rules dictate guests always maintain a minimum of 25 yards from bison. Be safe, be respectful of bison, remember this song:
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK VERSION:
In West Yellowstone I was born and raised
On the valley floor was where I spent most of my days
Wallowin’, grunting, relaxing all cool
And eating lots of grasses, that’s right, no bull
When a couple of humans who were up to no good
Started making trouble in the bison neighborhood
I got in a scuffle and the others got scared Mama said, ‘You’re movin’ with the herd, you need more space and fresh air.’
Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close! People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife is as famous as its geysers. In the park, animals have over 3,000 square miles (over 7,500 square km) of habitat available to them, so seeing them usually involves both luck and timing. Check at visitor centers for information about recent sightings, or join one of several companies that provide wildlife watching tours in the park.
Wildlife Safety:
Wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous. Every year people are injured when they approach animals too closely. Animals that attack people may need to be killed. To protect yourself and the animals you come to watch, always remain at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears or wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other wildlife. If visitors violate rules, rangers may close roadside pullouts to protect animals and people.
The following tips will keep you and park animals safe:
- Never approach or pursue an animal to take its picture: use binoculars or telephoto lenses to get a better view.
- If an animal moves closer to you, back away to maintain a safe distance.
- If you cause an animal to move, you’re too close. It’s illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
- Park in roadside pullouts when watching/photographing animals: do not block traffic.
- Stay in or next to your car when watching bears. If a bear approaches or touches your car, honk your horn and drive away to discourage this behavior.
- Do not feed wildlife or leave food where they can get it, especially for bears. Allowing bears to obtain human food even once often leads to them becoming aggressive toward people and eventually killed. Throw all garbage in bear-proof containers.
- Do not run or make sudden movements when watching bears, as this can provoke a chase or attack. Be extra careful with children since they may run when excited.
- Report conflicts. If you’re involved in a conflict with an animal, regardless of how minor, contact us or report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. If cell service is available, dial 911. The lives of other people, and the animal, may depend on it.
- Watch our wildlife safety videos and see the power of large wild animals.
