Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the iconic American bison. However, these majestic creatures can pose a significant threat to visitors who fail to maintain a safe distance. In recent years, several incidents have highlighted the importance of understanding bison behavior and adhering to park safety regulations.
Recent Incidents
In April 2024, a 40-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, was injured by a bison after approaching it too closely (within 25 yards) on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge. The man was arrested and charged with several offenses, including being under the influence of alcohol and disturbing wildlife.
Just a few months later, in June 2024, an 83-year-old woman from Greenville, South Carolina, was seriously injured after being gored by a bison near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake. The bison was defending its space, lifting the woman about a foot off the ground with its horns.
Safety Regulations and Guidelines
To ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, Yellowstone National Park has established clear guidelines for interacting with bison and other large animals:
- Minimum Distance: Visitors should maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 meters) from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes.
- Bears and Wolves: For bears and wolves, visitors should maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters).
- Behavior Around Wildlife: When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. If necessary, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
Bison Management Policies
The National Park Service has acknowledged the overpopulation of bison in the park. To manage their population, some bison are hunted or captured for slaughter, while others are relocated to Native American reservations and tribal lands.
Statistics
- Injury Incidents: There was one reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2023 and three in 2022.
- Fatalities: Bison have been responsible for more human fatalities in Yellowstone than any other species.
Visitor Safety
Visiting Yellowstone National Park is an incredible experience, but it’s crucial for visitors to understand the risks associated with encountering bison and other wildlife. It is the visitor’s responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.
Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans, making them a significant threat if not handled with caution. Visitors should always be alert and ready to move away from bison if they feel threatened or if the animals show signs of aggression.
By following the park’s safety guidelines and maintaining a respectful distance from bison, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone while minimizing the risk of dangerous encounters.
References
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/240429.htm
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/83-year-woman-injured-after-gored-bison-yellowstone/story?id=110797209
- https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/a-tourist-was-injured-by-a-bison-in-yellowstone-national-park-after-getting-too-close
- https://www.npr.org/2024/06/05/g-s1-2891/83-year-old-bison-yellowstone-park