Yellowstone National Park serves as preserve for the most important bison herd in the United States as it is the only place where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. By 1902, poachers reduced Yellowstone’s herd to about two dozen animals but the population has grown since protection measures were put in place at the beginning of the 20th century and now Yellowstone bison comprise the nation’s largest bison population (4,550 individuals pre-calving spring 2024) that live on public land.
With all that said, Yellowstone’s bison population is an incredibly precious national treasure and visitors to the park should show them the upmost respect by following park guidelines at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of the bison. Yellowstone requires visitors to remain 25 yards from bison at all times, including when traveling in a vehicle. Park regulations strictly prohibit willfully remaining near or approaching wildlife within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
The following video is displays blatant disregard for Yellowstone’s rules and regulations set forth to protect the bison population and should be used as an example of what not to do if you encounter one. This TikTok influencer not only instructed her driver to get close enough to touch a bison while driving by and was disappointed when she couldn’t make contact, she went on to closely follow the bison for 15-minutes while hanging out the window filming herself. This behavior is truly heinous.
Maylee not only attempted to touch a bison, she hung out of the window of her vehicle while tailgating the animal for at least 15-minutes.
Protect Your Park, Protect Yourself:
Yellowstone’s scenic wonders are sure to take your breath away: don’t let them take your life. From boiling hot springs to thousands of wild animals, some of the hazards in Yellowstone will be new to you. Protect yourself and the sights you plan to enjoy by following a few simple rules:
- Never approach wildlife
The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. - Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas
Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don’t let them run. - Never feed wildlife
Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use. - Never park in the road or block traffic
Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.
We can’t guarantee your safety in Yellowstone, but these concepts will help you avoid the most common accidents. See below for more great advice, and be sure to review our Rules & Regulations, Laws & Policies, and tips for backcountry travel.
Take the pledge. Tell a friend. Protect the park.
The National Park Service works hard to protect Yellowstone and we need your help. The best way to start is by taking the Yellowstone Pledge. It’s a personal promise you make to yourself and the park. It can be taken anywhere: it doesn’t need to be taken out loud or in front of anyone. Tag #YellowstonePledge and encourage others to do the same.
“I pledge to protect Yellowstone National Park. I will act responsibly and safely, set a good example for others, and share my love of the park and all the things that make it special.”
Top Tips to Put the Pledge into Action:
- Give wildlife room, use a zoom. The safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a spotting scope, or a pair of binoculars. Park animals are wild and dangerous. Bison, bears, and elk have injured and killed people. Do not approach, encircle, follow, or feed any animal. Stay 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Stay 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals.
- Follow the beaten path. In thermal areas, boardwalks take you to amazing places, protect the park, and keep you safe. People have been severely burned and killed after leaving the boardwalk or reaching into hot water. Geysers, mud pots, and hot springs are delicate. Don’t throw anything into any hydrothermal features, touch them, or change them in any way.
- Be bear aware. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Be alert, make noise, hike in groups, and stay on trails. If you encounter a bear, never run.
- Watch out for water. Use caution around rivers, lakes, and streams. They are cold and fast and people have died from hypothermia and drowning after accidentally falling into frigid water.
- Practice safe selfies. No picture is worth hurting yourself, others, or the park. Be aware of your surroundings whether near wildlife, thermal areas, roads, or steep cliffs.
- Enjoy the ride. Drive defensively and cautiously. This park has hazards on the road you aren’t used to at home (like 2,000-lb. bison). Follow speed limits and stay with your car if you’re stuck in a wildlife jam. When you want to take a photo or look around, use pullouts to avoid blocking traffic and damaging vegetation. Turn off your vehicle when stopped in a traffic line.
- Leave your drone at home. Drones are not allowed in Yellowstone National Park. They disturb wildlife, interfere with park operations, and bother people trying to enjoy natural sounds.
- Clean, Drain, Dry. Help us prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and fishing gear before you come into the park or move from one body of water to another.
- Stash your trash. Recycle what you can and put the rest in bear-resistant trash cans so animals can’t get to it. If a can happens to be full, find another.
- Leave what you find. Don’t take antlers, artifacts, rocks, plants, or other objects from the park.
Thanks for putting the Pledge into action! If you see someone, in person or online, whose behavior might hurt them, others, or the park, tell a ranger. If you’re in the park, dial 911.
Take the pledge. Tell a friend. Protect the park.
