Yellowstone National Park has a saying when it comes capturing intimate photographs of their resident animal populations “give wildlife room, use a zoom.” These folks posted up on a bridge over the Lamar River were doing just that as they took pictures of bears in the riverbed below using their telephoto lens but its important to maintain situational awareness and not get lost in the viewfinder as you never know what other wildlife may be in the area.
“The safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a spotting scope, or a pair of binoculars. Park animals are wild and dangerous.” -Yellowstone National Park
The person who took the video saw the bison from a long ways off and predicted that it might catch these tourists off guard as they were focused on the bears but not paying much attention to their immediate surroundings. Luckily for this bunch, the bison appeared indifferent to their presence as it peacefully made its way across the bridge although it certainly put a pep in a few of their steps.
Despite appearing docile at times, bison are in fact quite agile and unfortunately responsible for injuring more Yellowstone tourists than any other species. Yellowstone has strict guidelines about bison safety to prevent negative encounters, the first and foremost of which is to maintain at least 25 yards away from bison at times. Learn more about bison safety Yellowstone National Park below.
Yellowstone National Park Bison Safety:
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.
