Yellowstone National Park has once again become the center of attention as a shocking video emerged, capturing a hair-raising encounter between tourists and a bison near the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The footage, shared on social media, reveals the tourists dangerously close to the massive creature, with one even holding a young child. The incident, which comes on the heels of recent bison-related injuries at U.S. national parks, raises concerns about visitor safety and wildlife interaction policies.
In the video posted by the “Tourons of Yellowstone” Instagram page, two unidentified individuals can be seen seemingly cornering a bison near the famous Old Faithful. The bison, with its back turned, appears unaware of the tourists’ actions. One man, dressed in dark clothing, holds a squirming child while attempting to capture the bison on camera from a concealed position. A second individual, wearing predominantly red clothing, stands a short distance away, observing the animal’s behavior.
Yellowstone National Park has been in the spotlight recently due to several bison-related incidents. Just weeks ago, two women were gored by bison at different national parks, underscoring the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of these animals. Bison, known for their size and speed, are particularly active during their peak breeding season, which falls between July and September.
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The National Park Service (NPS) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, especially bison, which have a history of injuring more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. The NPS advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison and to be vigilant for signs of distress or agitation. These signs include bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting.
As the viral video continues to circulate, experts and park officials are urging visitors to adhere to guidelines and prioritize their safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder that wild animals should be observed from a safe distance, allowing them to roam freely and undisturbed in their natural habitat.
