Named in 1870 by the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition for its remarkably consistent eruptions (approximately every 60 to 110 minutes) Old Faithful is one of nearly 500 geysers in Yellowstone National Park and one of six that park rangers currently predict.
Watch eruptions from the Old Faithful viewing area or along the boardwalks that weave around the geyser is a time honored tradition for Yellowstone tourists and sometimes they share the heavily trafficked area with resident wildlife.
Such was the case when a small herd of bison joined a smattering of tourists around the world-famous cone geyser and caused a bit of chaos as they picked up speed and cleared out the area. Thankfully a park ranger was on scene and directed the guests to safety as the bison rapidly approached.
If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park please 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, is dependent on visitors abiding by the simple commonsense rules laid out by Yellowstone. 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.
