The single most important bison herd in the United States is preserved in the 2.2 million acres of Yellowstone National Park. The bison of Yellowstone are exceptional in several ways as they are only population to have continuously since prehistoric times and comprise nation’s largest bison population on public land.
The most recent bison population estimate at Yellowstone put their numbers at 5,400 individuals who roam with relative freedom over the expansive footprint of the park and nearby areas of Montana. Yellowstone’s bison still exhibit wild behavior like their ancient ancestors, including aggressive defense of territory when provoked.
Yellowstone National Park has well established rules when it comes to bison safety and the first and most important of which is to maintain at least 25 yards away from bison at all times. To the untrained eye bison may seem like gentle giants but they actually account for injuring more visitors to Yellowstone National Park than any other species.
The following video was taken near Nez Perce Creek picnic area which is a popular hiking destination for Yellowstone visitors and shows a woman and a man who got too close to a bison and fled when it charged. The woman lost her footing and ended up on the ground with the bison standing over her. Instead of getting to her feet and continuing to tun, the woman remained motionless on the ground and played dead until the bison left the area.
This woman was extremely lucky that her strategy worked out and she managed to walk away completely uninjured. While Yellowstone does not have any recommendations about playing dead in response to a bison attack, The Catalina Island Conservancy suggests it may be an effective last resort:
“If you cannot avoid contact, get as low to the ground as possible and protect your head and torso. Playing dead may stop an attack.”
The best way to avoid a negative encounter with bison at Yellowstone National Park is familiarize yourself with their safety guidelines prior to entering the park. Learn more about Yellowstone bison safety 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 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.
