Yellowstone National Park is home to roughly 4,550 bison, with two primary breeding herds in the northern and central regions of the park. It’s the only place in the United States where these animals have lived continuously since prehistoric times, comprising the largest bison population on public land. People travel from around the world with the hope of watching these animals, but they don’t always treat them with the necessary respect.
The park rangers of Yellowstone exist to both educate and protect, working to ensure that tourists have safe and fun visits. When those visitors are misbehaving, park rangers may step in to enforce laws, and when people behave poorly around wildlife the rangers will get loud if deemed necessary. We can’t see the tourist in this video, but it’s pretty easy to figure out what lead to them getting yelled at.
“Get back in your car! Get back in your car!”
Bison are both fast and unpredictable, having the ability to run up to 35 miles per hour and being able to pivot quite quickly. They’re responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal. Bison should be given at least 25 yards (75 feet) of space at all times. If you encounter a wildlife jam, like what seems occurring in this video, you should always stay with your car. Read more on bison safety below:
Yellowstone National Park 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.