A wolf nipping at the heels of a bison in Yellowstone National Park got a swift kick to the chest that sent it airborne and reminded the hungry pack that although bison represent food for days if they can successfully be taken down, they are truly dangerous prey.
The following video was captured this week as the Rescue Creek Pack, one of Yellowstone’s largest wolf packs, pursued a bison at first light. The Rescue Creek Pack is unique in that almost all of its members are black (Yellowstone’s overall wolf population is 50% black and 50% gray) and is one of the more visible packs in northern Yellowstone where they can often be spotted in the Lamar Valley, an area popular for visitors hoping to observe wolves.
One bison had a strayed a bit from the security of the herd and was singled out by the opportunistic wolves. With wolves hot on its tail the bison released a powerful kick with its hind legs and the wolf went flying. Although bison prefer using their horns or charging to defend themselves, their kicks are extremely dangerous and powerful enough to snap a wolf’s jaw or cause fatal damage:
While the front-heavy and powerful herbivores (weighing up to 2,000 lbs) prefer not to kick to avoid losing balance, they are more than capable of delivering lethal force from perceived threats from a full 360 degrees. This wolf did not seemed fazed by the brutal hind hoof blow and continued its pursuit but it serves as an excellent reminder to all visitors to Yellowstone that North America’s largest land mammal should be provided ample space at all times.
Yellowstone Bison 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.
