Don’t Approach the Bison in Yellowstone National Park

They’re Not Fluffy Cows: The Urgent Yellowstone Warning You Can’t Ignore

It’s a scene as iconic as Old Faithful itself: a vast, golden valley in Yellowstone National Park, dotted with the immense, shaggy figures of American bison. They graze placidly, their low grunts carrying on the wind as steam from a distant geyser twists into the sky. For a visitor, the sight is a breathtaking glimpse into a wild, untamed America.

And that’s where the danger begins. In the awe of the moment, a visitor steps out of their car, phone in hand, thinking, “They look so calm. Just one quick photo, a little closer.”

This is a mistake that could cost them their health, or even their life. The most important rule in Yellowstone isn’t about staying on the boardwalks or packing out your trash—it’s the one that far too many people ignore: Do not approach the bison.

The Great Misconception

From a distance, bison can appear docile, almost lazy. Their lumbering gait and penchant for grazing can fool people into thinking of them as giant, wild cattle. This perception is profoundly wrong. A bison is not a domestic cow; it is a 2,000-pound force of nature, an animal that has survived ice ages and the brink of extinction.

The statistics don’t lie. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal, including bears and wolves. The reason is simple: visitors underestimate the bison and overestimate their own safety.

A Powerhouse of Speed and Agility

Let’s break down the reality of what a bison is capable of:

• Speed: A bison can run up to 35 miles per hour. For perspective, the fastest human on record, Usain Bolt, topped out at just under 28 mph. You cannot outrun a bison.
• Agility: Despite their size, they can pivot on a dime, jump high fences, and charge with explosive power. Their immense head and sharp horns are a formidable weapon.
• Temperament: They are wild, unpredictable, and fiercely protective of their space and their young. What seems like calm indifference can turn to aggressive defense in a split second.

The National Park Service (NPS) has a clear and simple rule: You must stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away from bison, elk, and other large herbivores. For context, that’s about the length of two school buses. For predators like bears and wolves, the distance increases to 100 yards. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a regulation designed to prevent tragedy.

How to Read the Signs a Bison Gives You

Bison will almost always give warning signals before they charge. The problem is, most people don’t know how to read them. If you see a bison doing any of the following, you are already too close and need to back away immediately:

• Raising its tail: This is the most famous and reliable signal. When a bison’s tail goes up, it often means a charge is imminent.
• Pawing the ground: Like a bull in a ring, this is a clear sign of agitation.
• Snorting or bellowing: Vocalizations are a direct warning.
• Shaking its head: A short, jerky shake of the head is a gesture of annoyance and a prelude to aggression.

If you find yourself in a “bison jam,” where a herd is blocking or crossing the road, the rule is to stay in your vehicle. Your car is a hard-sided shield. Be patient. Honking your horn or trying to nudge them along will only agitate them and could result in damage to your car and yourself.

The Consequences of a Close Encounter

An encounter gone wrong is brutal. A bison charge can send a person flying through the air, resulting in broken bones, deep puncture wounds, internal injuries, and life-altering trauma. Videos that go viral often show the terrifying reality of a person being gored and tossed like a rag doll.

But the consequences aren’t just for humans. When a bison attacks a person, it creates a dangerous situation for the animal as well. Park rangers may be forced to dispatch an animal that has become aggressive towards people, meaning a visitor’s reckless quest for a selfie could result in a death sentence for a magnificent wild creature.

Respect the Wild, Use Your Zoom Lens

Yellowstone National Park is a treasure because it is a place where wildlife roams free. We are visitors in their home. The ultimate sign of respect is giving them the space they need to live their lives undisturbed.

Bring binoculars. Use the zoom lens on your camera. Marvel at these incredible animals from the safety of a roadside pullout or your car. Capture the memory, but do it from a distance. The best photograph is the one you live to share. The bison of Yellowstone are the living soul of the American West. Let’s honor them by keeping them, and ourselves, safe.