Yellowstone National Park is among the most popular national parks in the United States, drawing in 4,744,353 visitors throughout 2024. Tourists flock to the region to explore Yellowstone’s iconic geothermal areas, view its geologic wonders, and observe the park’s unique and abundant wildlife within an intact ecosystem.
The park is home to the most important bison herd in the United States as the only place in the country where they’ve lived continuously since prehistoric times. Yellowstone’s 2024 bison population was estimated at 5,400, though numbers have fluctuated between 3,500 and 6,000 in recent years.
Bison offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, but they must be treated with a great amount of respect. Yellowstone requires visitors to stay at least 25 yards (75 feet), or about the length of two busses, from bison at all times, far more than the distance maintained by the tourists in the video below.
More people have been injured by bison in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal. They’re unpredictable and fast, and they may charge without any obvious signs of aggression or agitation. Plus bison can be very protective of their young like the juvenile in the clip, working as a group to protect them from any threats. If a bison, or any other animal, begins to approach you, it’s important to back away to maintain a safe distance. Read more about bison safety below.
Yellowstone National Park Bison Safety:
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.