Yellowstone National Park’s 4,550 bison are considered the most important bison herd in the United States as they are the nation’s largest bison population on public land and they only bison in the lower 48 to have lived continuously in the same place since prehistoric times.
Visitors are privileged with unparalleled opportunities to observe this ancient population of bison across much of Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres and they have become synonymous with experiencing the park. While most of these encounters are peaceful, bison are capable of running at 30 mph and when decide to move en masse, anyone or anything in their path is in a perilous position.
Bison stampedes occur primarily as a response to perceived threats or disturbances. When bison sense danger, their instinctual response is to flee which can lead to stampeding behavior. This chain reaction can be triggered by natural events such as thunderstorms and predators or manmade disturbances.
It is unclear what precipitated this bison stampede which overtook a bridge in Yellowstone National Park but it was likely caused by human stimuli. Both tourists and park rangers were caught off guard by the sudden charge and were running alongside each other to seek safety.
Remember folks, bison may appear docile but they are responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. Yellowstone policy requires all visitors to maintain at least 25 yards distance away from bison at all time. Learn more about bison safety at Yellowstone National Park 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 meters) 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“