One of the most thrilling times of year to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the annual bison mating season or rut. During the rut bison bulls engage in various courtship behaviors including vocalizations called bellows that can be heard across the park, wallowing where they violently roll on the ground to display aggression sometimes kicking up large dust clouds, and fighting where males compete with each other to prove dominance and establish mating rights.
While maintaining a respectful distance away from Yellowstone’s bison is important year round, it is particularly critical during the rut. Apparently this couple was either unaware of the danger they put themselves in during this encounter or they chose to blatantly disregard park policies. Either way they were lucky to have made it out unscathed.
Bulls can lose almost 12% of their body weight during the rut (200 pounds). This is because time usually spent grazing is dedicated to tending females and breeding activities. The rut it an exciting time to visit Yellowstone as bulls clash for dominance but its important for tourists observing bison during mating season to remember male bison can be more easily agitated which poses increased risks to visitors. Yellowstone National Park advises staying at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, including bison, but you may want to give them a bit extra until the rut dies down.
