Provided the minimum 25 yard distance tourists are required to maintain from bison at Yellowstone National Park, they pose only a minor threat but when visitors fail to resist the unexplainable urge to get within arms reach and pet them dire consequences may ensue.
Yellowstone National Park is home to between 3,000 and 6,000 bison, making them the largest bison population on public land in America. Generations of tourists have traveled to observe North America’s largest land dwelling mammal (bulls weigh up to 2,000 pounds) freely roam Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres and the park provides clear instructions on how to do so safely.
Despite ample signage warning visitors not to approach wildlife, some simply cannot resist the compulsion to disregard park policies and approach bison. The following video is a prime example of this abhorrent behavior.
The man behind the camera seemingly predicted what would before the scene unfolded. Keeping his camera trained on the couple, they snapped selfies and in a final disgraceful the woman reached out and touched the bison before walking away giggling. As a reminder, Yellowstone bison are responsible for more injuries than any other animal in Yellowstone National Park. Learn more about bison safety in Yellowstone 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 meters) 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.
