Tense moments for a couple of fly fishermen caught on camera inside Yellowstone National Park.
There are few places on earth that can contend with Yellowstone National Park when it comes to natural wonders and remarkable wilderness experiences. Over 4 million guests are drawn to the park’s 2.2 million acres hoping to connect with nature, explore a massive number of hydrothermal features, and witness stunning geological wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. About 50,000 of Yellowstone’s yearly visitors bring their fishing rods and while their objective is to connect with aquatic life, they may end up dealing with mammals that are slightly larger than a trophy cutthroat trout.
Such was the case for these fly fishermen who stood in disbelief as small herd of bison trampled past their position on a picturesque riverbank inside the park. The fly fishermen remained unmoved as a few of the largest land mammals in North America (weigh up to 2,000 pounds) raced by but a group of tourists who had exited their vehicles and walked down to the valley to get closer to the herd ended up running for safety.
It is important to remember that all of Yellowstone National Park’s wildlife need to be given at least 25 yards of space at all times, including bison (bears and wolves should be given at least 100 yards at all times). Approaching too close is dangerous to both the animal and the person. Bison are unpredictable and are responsible for more injuries to people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Read more on bison safety 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.
