Yellowstone National Park benefits from a large and vibrant volunteer program with participants giving more than 100,000 hours to the park every year. Working alongside park staff, these volunteers help with a variety of duties including managing campgrounds, conducting scientific research, providing educational programs, picking up garbage and general assistance for park rangers.
One aspect of volunteers duties is bolster education around Yellowstone’s wildlife safety policies. First and foremost of Yellowstone’s regulations is to provide its wildlife plenty of room and give them priority over vehicles in what are known as “wildlife jams.”
Given that Yellowstone’s volunteers work on the frontlines to prevent dangerous wildlife encounters, the following footage is puzzling as the man’s actions are clearly in contradiction of park policies dictating a 25 yard minimum distance be maintained away from bison at all times.
While the volunteer’s intentions were no doubt pure of heart, his actions set a poor example for visitors to Yellowstone and should not be repeated. 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.