American bison were once the only cattle species to live in North America, spreading across huge portions of the continent as the most widespread herbivore species around. Today their population has dwindled down to just 31,000 in the wild, with roughly 4,550 of them living in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone is home to 2.2 million acres of remarkable geological wonders, geothermal features, and intact ecosystems, bringing in tourists with the hope of experiencing it all. The park is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times, comprising the largest population of the animals on public land in the United States. The bison alone bring in tourists from around the world, but those tourists don’t always behave as they should.
Yellowstone Park Rangers are typically there to offer both educational and protective services to visitors and the park’s land and wildlife. In cases where tourists are misbehaving, a park ranger can act to enforce rules as necessary. Such was the case when this mother began walking her child towards a herd of bison, leading a ranger to kindly request that she back away from the wild animals.
“Do not approach the bison! Let’s go!”
Bison are unpredictable animals and can run up to three times faster than people. They’ve injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, and are much more likely to attack when they feel threatened. The national park requires that all visitors stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away from the animals at all times, something that this woman didn’t seem to be respecting. Read more on Yellowstone bison safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bison 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.