Yellowstone National Park features over 14 miles of boardwalks that traverse through its geothermal areas allowing visitors to observe features including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots while protecting both the delicate ecosystems and themselves. Yellowstone’s boardwalks are an incredible resource and tourists are expected to follow an etiquette while using them that includes not approaching wildlife that may pop up along the way.
Clearly this man either didn’t read the ample signage around the park warning visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison or he decided to blatantly disregard the rules to get an up close video. People might have the perception that they are safe from bison attacks if they are on the raised platform of boardwalks but that is simply not the case. Despite being up to 2,000 pounds and 6 feet tall, bison are incredibly agile and can jump vertically up to 6 feet. Bison stepping onto a boardwalks is a common occurrence and boardwalks provide no measure of safety for Yellowstone visitors if a bison was to attack.
Thankfully there was a park ranger nearby who berated this man for his abject idiocy. While bison are not generally aggressive but will defend their space when threatened and have injured more people at Yellowstone than any other animal. Please be respectful and follow Yellowstone National Park’ bison safety guidelines.
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.
