Although Yellowstone National Park spans a vast 2.2 million acres, it seems tourists always find a way to crowd the local wildlife. Visiting Yellowstone offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem but should only be done at a respectful distance.
Bison are the largest land-dwelling mammals on the continent with bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing 6 feet tall and Yellowstone is home to the largest public bison herd in the country. Although incredible to see in person, bison are extremely dangerous and responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans, so tourists are required to always maintain a safe distance away from bison (25 yards minimum). Disregarding this simple rule can have dire consequences.
The following video was taken two days ago inside Yellowstone National Park. It shows a man who pulled off the road to get out his Jeep and take a selfie video with a bison. Immediately after he started filming the bison charged. Luckily he saw the incoming bison in the screen of his phone and managed to take evasive maneuvers and avoided getting trampled.
While bison are responsible for injuring more visitors to Yellowstone National Park than any other species, these negative encounters are highly avoidable if you follow simple safety guidelines and respect their personal space. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park 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.
