There are only a handful of places on Earth that can compete with Yellowstone National Park when it comes to sheer density of natural wonders. Yellowstone draws over 4 million visitors per year seeking to reconnect nature with activities like exploring its over 10,000 hydrothermal features or simply experiencing its truly breathtaking landscapes like that of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Unfortunately, tourists sometimes take the urge to connect with nature too far when it comes to wildlife and put themselves in great peril in the process.
Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Yellowstone’s bison population as of 2024 was estimated at 5,400 animals with high concentrations in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys. Observing bison is a primary activity for many who visit Yellowstone and there is pervasive misconception that these giant animals are as harmless as domestic livestock. Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with males reaching weights of up to 2,000 pounds. Although their slow lumbering movements and calm behavior while grazing or resting may make them seem gentle, this impression is deceptive. Bison are actually quite agile and can become highly unpredictable and dangerous if they feel threatened or provoked.
The above video is a prime example of a tourist underestimating the danger of approaching bison as she not only breaks park rules by getting within 25 yards of the animal, she actually repeatedly attempts to pet it on the head as it rests near the iconic Old Faithful cone geyser.
Despite bystanders warning the woman “you’re going to get killed” she continued to touch the bison on the head, provoking it to stand on its forelegs and shake its head in response to the unsolicited contact. This woman is very lucky her repeated provocations didn’t end with an attack unlike the 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida who was gored by a bison over the weekend after approaching too closely.
If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park this summer remember park policies require all visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison at all times. Disregarding these rules can result in fines, injury, and in extreme cases even death. The safety of the animals, as well as visitor safety, depends on visitors abiding by simple rules and using commonsense. Learn more about Yellowstone National Park bison safety below.
Yellowstone 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.
