Yellowstone National Park is vast encompassing thousands of square miles, yet some visitors can’t resist crowding around its abundant wildlife. Yellowstone provides a rare opportunity to observe animals behaving naturally within a largely undisturbed environment but with this unique privilege comes the responsibility of respecting park rules and maintaining safe distances to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Among the 67 species of mammals that inhabit Yellowstone, bison are some of the most reliable for tourists to see firsthand. These massive creatures can weigh up 2,200 pounds making them North America’s largest land dwelling mammals. Despite their seemingly gentle demeanor, bison are unpredictable and have in fact caused more injuries to park guests than any other animal. For this reason, Yellowstone enforces strict rules requiring people to maintain 25 yards distance from bison to prevent dangerous encounters.
There is plenty of signage throughout the park making this mandate obvious but some tourists find the opportunity to snap a selfie with a bison irresistible and are all too willing risk life and limb while pointing their phones at themselves at arms distance. The following video is an excellent example of the cavalier disregard some Yellowstone visitors show toward the rules and regulation set in place to maintain their safety as a large group at Canyon Village approaches and lingers around an adult bison seemingly unaware of the precariousness of their positions.
Thankfully the bison showed little interest as the tourists encroached on its personal space to snap photos but if it had decided to defend its territory it could have closed the distance in flash as they are well know for their agility, their ability to pivot quickly and their top speed of 35mph.
If you intend on visiting Yellowstone please be mindful that bison may appear ambivalent to human presence but when provoked can inflict devastating injury. Negative encounters are in large part avoidable if you follow simple safety protocols and respect their personal space. 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.
