Buzz
At least two young individuals have been injured by bison in national parks over the past week. It’s mating season, so the bulls are particularly aggressive right now. However, there’s one crucial thing to remember if you encounter a herd of bison: Keep your distance.
Yellowstone's rule is a smart one: Keep at least 25 yards away from any wildlife, and extend that to 100 yards for wolves and bears. Bison have caused more injuries to people in that park than any other creature.
This is because they don’t seem threatening. I’ve visited Yellowstone, and at times the buffalo just stand still. They're right by the road, and sometimes in the road itself, making you stop. It’s tempting to snap a photo while you’re there, as they appear friendly and move slowly. (The Yellowstone website also mentions that they can run three times faster than a person when necessary.)
If you visit a park filled with bison, you might see others getting too close to them, and you may start to think it's not a big deal. However, these are wild animals that have harmed more than a few unsuspecting visitors like you. Despite how tame they may seem, it’s important to maintain a safe distance.
