National Park Service Warns Yellowstone Tourists To Give Bison Space

The males will be especially territorial and on edge during this time. Giving wildlife more space is always best practices when visiting their natural habitat.

The account recently posted a compilation of bison and other animals charging people and cars to highlight the danger of these massive wild animals.

Bison are extremely dangerous animals, they can often weigh more than a car and have incredibly sharp horns. They are known to tear through a vehicle’s bumper with ease.

After trailing the animal at a close distance, the bison rammed their car and pierced the front tire on their car, showing just how dangerous these animals are.

Park rangers often have to remind tourists that getting too close to a cub is an easy way to have a momma bear try and attack you. The 1,000 pound female bears won’t care that you’re trying to take a photo.

There are only a few other things on the list that warrants a ban or an outright fine, and they all include disrespecting the park. Getting too close to animals is dangerous for two reasons. One is that you could get hurt, the other is that the animal could get too accustomed to being near people and could be put to sleep in the future.

Things like leaving graffiti on millennia old rocks or simply littering in a protected area are some of the most common occurrences that show how the public lacks respect or basic information on how to act in parks.

One of the jobs of park rangers is to keep visitors safe from the wildlife and the natural elements like weather and rough terrain. Last month a park ranger tragically lost their life while helping visitors. Tom Lorig was directing traffic in Bryce Canyon National Park when he slipped and hit his head falling down a flight of stairs.

Beyond the well maintained roads and walking paths are gnarly and unpredictable natural settings. It’s not uncommon for tourists to go past the safety boundaries and become lost in the wilderness. When this happen, national rescue teams need to be employed which can cost the taxpayers millions for a single rescue mission.

However, it’s of the upmost importance to keep clear of the animals natural path at all times. If you see two males engaging gin bellowing, wallowing and fighting, stay in the car and wait for the animals to take part in their natural process.

Even more room is needed for predators like wolves and bears. Back off more than 100 yards (91) meters from these animals if you’re lucky enough to see them.

Otherwise, be sure to follow all warning signs and use your common sense when encountering large wild animals.