Within Yellowstone National Park‘s 2.2 million acres, visitors are given incredible opportunities to view unique hydrothermal features, stunning geological wonders, and a vast population of wildlife in an intact ecosystem. Yellowstone’s animals can be found in the lakes, rivers, mountains, valleys, and everywhere in between, but no native wildlife is quite as iconic as the bison.
The bison of Yellowstone mark the largest population on public land in the United States, with around 5,400 living within the boundaries. The park is the only place in the nation where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times and they continue to exhibit wild behavior like their ancient ancestors.
The opportunity to view bison alone brings in visitors every year, hoping to snap a picture of North America’s largest land mammal. Unfortunately some people don’t seem to comprehend just how dangerous these animals can be and approach or let the bison approach far too close. The photographer in the below video, as an example, allowed this bison to approach just a few feet away, far too close according to the park rules. Fortunately the animal moved past him without any aggression, but situations like this one can end much worse.
Bison are both large and fast, weighing up to 2,000 pounds while still being able to reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. They’re also incredibly unpredictable and are responsible for more injuries to people than any other animal inside Yellowstone National Park. As such the park requires that tourists give bison at least 25 yards of space at all times. If one approaches you, you’re responsible for immediately walking away and making sure that space exists. Read more on Yellowstone 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.
