A tuckered out bison calf caused a bit of a traffic jam in Yellowstone National Park after it decided to take a rest in the middle of the road with the adults circling the wagons to protect the vulnerable young animal.
While the vast majority of folks in nearby vehicles waited patiently for the end of nap time, one man decided to run up to a friend’s pickup truck and have a chat which goes against Yellowstone’s policies “Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.” While bison may look like docile furry cows, they have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable (especially when they perceive a threat towards offspring) and can run three times faster than humans.
Always stay at least 25 yards away from bison.
Yellowstone Bison Safety Guidelines:
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
- Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. 
- Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
- Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.
