Yellowstone National Park’s bison population is notable for several reasons. They are the only population to have lived continuously since prehistoric times in the United States, they comprise the nation’s largest bison population on public land and they also have unfortunately injured more Yellowstone tourists than any other species.
Although they are massive in stature (weighing up to 2,000 pounds) they are surprisingly agile when provoked and can run three times faster than humans. Yellowstone has clear cut regulations when it comes to staying safe during bison encounters and the first and most important to remember is to never approach bison and to maintain at least 25 yards distance at all times.
Although Yellowstone has ample signage warning tourists to keep their distance, some chose to disregard policies putting themselves in physical danger. The following video was taken near Giant Geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and shows a family of four that got too close to bison. The bison perceived their intrusion as a threat and defended its personal space by leaping over the boardwalk and launching an attack. In moment of pure chaos, a 34-year-old man was gored and lifted off the ground while protecting a child.
Why tf would you try to let your kid pet a bison?
byu/boozing_again inWTF
Thankfully the child was fine but the man suffered an injury to his arm and was taken in an ambulance to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. If you plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park remember it is your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Learn more about bison safety at Yellowstone National Park below.
Yellowstone National Park 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.