Yellowstone National Park offers guests with a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking around stunning natural features like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River to observing the park’s abundant wildlife among unique geothermal areas. For many visitors, North America’s largest land mammal will be the greatest sight throughout their trip.
The only place in the United States where bison have lived ceaselessly since prehistoric times is inside Yellowstone National Park. Some 3,500 to nearly 6,000 bison live within the park, split between the northern and central breeding herds. They can be found throughout the Hayden and Lamar valleys, near hydrothermal areas, along the Madison River, and beyond.
Despite their appearance, bison are fast and unpredictable running at speeds up to 35mph. Plus they’re massive and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. With all that combined, bison are responsible for more injuries to people than any other animal in Yellowstone National Park. These beasts should always be given plenty of respect and space (at leat 25 yards at all times), and that includes keeping dogs far away and under control.
When dogs are left off their leash in national parks, situations like the one below are bound to occur. This small dog ran right up to a couple of bison hanging out in a field, yapping at the large animals until one of them attempted to kick it. Of course the owner couldn’t go up to get the dog, as that would have put him in serious danger, so he’s forced to shout for the dog from a distance and hope it returns to his control. You can imagine the panic going through that owners mind, helplessly watching his dog nearly wander up to its own death.
Pets are allowed in Yellowstone National Park, but that comes with restrictions. They are only allowed in developed areas and must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking area, and campgrounds at all times. They are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas. They can never be left unattended or tied to objects, and they must be physically controlled at all times. That means in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no longer than six feet.
It doesn’t matter how good you think your dog is at listening to commands, it must stay physically controlled. While these rules may seem harsh, they exist to protect both the pets and the wildlife. Read more on bison safety below.
Bison Safety in Yellowstone National Park:
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.
Stupid little dog is about to be hoof kill thanks to it’s stupid parents.
That owner needs to be heavily fined. Surprised that bison didn’t kick or kill the dog. Maybe is something happens, people will start obeying the rules.
Stupid is as stupid does. It seems like people are just getting stupider as time goes on. Maybe shut down the parks??