Despite Yellowstone National Park spanning a vast 3,472 square miles, there is a persistent issue with visitors somehow managing to crowd its resident wildlife. Visiting America’s oldest National Park offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife behavior in a largely intact ecosystem. Getting to experience Yellowstone’s wildlife is a privilege and must be done in a respectful manner in accordance with park regulations.
Nicknamed the “American Serengeti” Yellowstone is home to one the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states with 67 species roaming the park including moose, elk, pronghorn, grizzly bears, wolves and over 5,000 bison. 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.
Bison are one of the major draws for Yellowstone wildlife watchers but are quite dangerous and responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. While they may appear docile due to their lumbering movements while grazing or at rest, this calm exterior can switch instantly if a bison feels threatened or challenged. That is why Yellowstone requires all visitors to maintain a minimum 25 yard distance away from bison at all times.
The following video showcases an example of the ongoing problem of tourists approaching bison to take selfies. This man may have thought this a-frame style wooden fence would provide adequate protection from this massive bison but the bison could easily hurdle it in a single bound or smash it smithereens if it perceived the encroaching photographer as a threat and decided to charge.
If you plan on visiting Yellowstone please keep in mind that bison may appear indifferent to human presence due to their confidence in their massive size and strength and will generally ignore people who keep a proper distance but when provoked they can inflict serious injury. These negative encounters are largely avoidable if you follow simple safety protocols and respect their personal space. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park bison safety below.
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 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.
