In the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, the bison, a symbol of American wilderness, roam freely. These creatures, towering at about 6 feet tall and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, are a sight to behold. However, their majestic presence often leads to risky encounters with park visitors.
Recently, a video captured by photographer Logan Smith, and shared on the TouronsOfYellowstone Instagram account, highlighted a concerning incident.
A group of tourists, numbering around a dozen, were seen dangerously close to a large bull bison. Oblivious to the animal's distress signals, such as the raising of its tail – a clear sign of agitation – the visitors posed for photos, turning their backs to the bison.
The situation escalated when the bison, having lost its patience, charged at the crowd. - Watch below.
Miraculously, the tourists managed to escape unharmed, narrowly avoiding potential goring or being knocked down.
This incident is not an isolated one. Earlier in the year, two women suffered serious abdominal injuries after being gored by bison in US National Parks. According to the National Park Service (NPS), bison are the leading cause of injuries in Yellowstone, surpassing even bears and wolves.
The NPS has issued safety guidelines urging visitors to maintain a safe distance from bison, especially in areas like campsites, trails, boardwalks, parking lots, or developed areas. They advise that if a bison is nearby, it's better to turn around and choose a different path, emphasizing the importance of respecting these wild animals' space for the safety of both the animals and park visitors.
