Few places on Earth rival the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Spanning nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, truly awe-inspiring scenery like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
and rich biodiversity, including the iconic Yellowstone bison.
Yellowstone is the only place in the America where bison have lived uninterrupted since prehistoric times. As of 2024 Yellowstone’s bison population was estimated at 5,400 animals with high concentrations in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys. Observing bison is a mainstay activity for many of the 4 million visitors that pass through Yellowstone gates each year.
Despite their disarmingly docile appearance, bison are quite dangerous and responsible for injuring more visitors than any other Yellowstone species. To combat these problematic encounters Yellowstone has ample signage and highly publicized campaigns to educate visitors to remain 25 yards away from bison at all times. Despite these rigorous preventative measures, some visitor chose to disregard the regulations and put themselves in danger.
If you were ever questioning why folks through caution to the wind and approach these 2000lbs animals, listen to this 7-year-old boy’s opinion on the matter. He doesn’t mince words.
Mom: Should we try to go see that geyser over there?
Kid: No because there’s huge buffalo crossing
Mom: We gotta wait for them cross…why?
Kid: Because otherwise we’ll get rammed.
Mom: How come all those people aren’t waiting?
Kid: Because they’re stupid.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone this summer please let this child’s unfiltered response inform the decisions you make around wildlife. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park bison safety rules below.
Yellowstone 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.
