YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – A group of tourists in Yellowstone National Park didn’t read the bison rules before trying to get some good photos. They got really close to one of the animals. The guy in the red shirt is clearly the worst, but no one in the group is far enough away.
Safety guidelines for bison 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 75 feet away from bison.
- Give bison space when they are near a campground, hiking trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If necessary, turn around and walk in the other direction to avoid encountering a wild animal in close proximity.
- They are threatened by approaching bison and may respond with a mock attack, head nodding, pawing, roaring, or snorting. These are warning signals that you are too close and an attack is imminent.
- Do not stop. Walk or run away from the animal immediately. Spray bear spray as you walk away if the animal follows you.
Every animal in Yellowstone needs to have enough space, regardless of size and ferocity. Bears and wolves should be given at least 100 yards of space, while bison, elk and other animals should be given 25 yards. That’s 300 feet and 75 feet, or about the length of eight school buses for bears and wolves and the length of two school buses for every other animal. And remember: Human food and wildlife don’t mix.
“Never feed wild animals, including birds and squirrels. Animals that become dependent on human food can become aggressive toward humans and must be killed. Animals also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Be especially careful around ravens: they can open or unfasten many different types of buckles and latches.“
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