It’s an unfortunate reality that many of the over 4 million visitors that enter Yellowstone National Park every year seriously underestimate the danger of breaking park policies by approaching bison closer than the required minimum distance of 25 yards
Bison are the largest land-dwelling mammal in North America (males weigh up to 2000lbs). Despite their imposing stature, bison can be disarmingly docile in appearance as they graze or rest but are actually quite agile and can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous when threatened or provoked. Yellowstone National Park staff have a cheeky saying about bison safety: “don’t pet the fluffy cows” and while this may conjure images of harmless domesticated farm animals, bison are anything but and are in fact responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal.
Despite ample signage posted throughout the park, ongoing educational initiatives and park rangers actively discouraging unsafe behavior around bison, some tourists still treat Yellowstone National Park as an open range petting zoo and in doing so needlessly expose themselves to serious risk. The following video is a prime example how not to behave around bison as this father actually encourages his daughter to approach the animal and records her as she reaches out and touches it’s hind quarters.
Everyone within frame of the video was in breach of Yellowstone’s minimal distance requirements but even they were aghast the child actually reached out and made contact with the bison. Thankfully the bison did not retaliate for unsolicited brush and the child was uninjured in the incident.
If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park keep in mind that bison are capable of sprinting up to 35 mph and leaping as high as 6 feet vertically. If you get too close and a bison feels threatened, there’s little you can do to escape its charge. Its is crucial to remain constantly vigilant in when bison are in the vicinity, especially when children are around. 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.
