Tourists Run For Safety As Bison Stampede Across Bridge at Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park’s 4,550 bison are considered the most important bison herd in the United States as they are the nation’s largest bison population on public land and they only bison in the lower 48 to have lived continuously in the same place since prehistoric times. 

Visitors are privileged with unparalleled opportunities to observe this ancient population of bison across much of Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres and they have become synonymous with experiencing the park. While most of these encounters are peaceful, bison are capable of running at 35 mph and when decide to move en masse, anyone or anything in their path is in a perilous position.

Bison stampedes occur primarily as a response to perceived threats or disturbances. When bison sense danger, their instinctual response is to flee which can lead to stampeding behavior. This chain reaction can be triggered by natural events such as thunderstorms and predators or manmade disturbances.

It is unclear what precipitated this bison stampede which overtook a bridge in Yellowstone National Park but it was likely caused by human stimuli. Both tourists and park rangers were caught off guard by the sudden charge and were running alongside each other to seek safety.

Remember folks, bison may appear docile but they are responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. Yellowstone policy requires all visitors to maintain at least 25 yards distance away from bison at all time. Learn more about bison safety at Yellowstone National Park below.

Yellowstone National Park Bison Safety Guidelines:

Bison may appear tranquil, but these large animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They can run 3x faster than humans, making it very important to give them plenty of space. 

Stay at least 25 yards away from bison.

• Keep at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison at all times and never approach a bison to take a photo. If need be, turn around and go the other way if a bison walks within 25 yards.

Run away if a bison charges.

• If approached too closely, bison may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing while staring at you, pawing, bellowing, or raising its tail. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent—do not stand your ground! Immediately walk or run away from the animal. If the bison follows you, spray bear spray as you are moving away, and seek cover behind nearby trees or cars. 

Drive Carefully Around Bison

• Plan extra time when driving through Yellowstone—the speed limit is 45 mph, unless posted otherwise, and you’re likely to encounter a “bison jam”. If bison are on the road, be patient, drive slowly, and stay in your vehicle. Wait for bison to move along; do not honk your horn or drive aggressively toward them. 
• The size and dark coloration of bison means you should be especially careful when driving at night or anytime visibility is poor.

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