Bison Charges (& Nearly Railroads) Clueless Tourist At Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States, and actually, the entire world, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. It's also a treasure trove of morons who think they stumbled into a local petting zoo. Among its geysers, hot springs, and breathtaking landscapes, one of its most iconic inhabitants is the American bison. Commonly called the buffalo (even though it's very distantly related to the true buffalo of Africa and Asia), these majestic creatures, with their massive frames and serene presence, are not only a symbol of the American West but also a vital part of Yellowstone's ecosystem and history. North America's largest land mammals, adult males, known as bulls, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand six feet tall at the shoulder. Females, or cows, are slightly smaller but equally impressive. These animals have a distinctive hump over their shoulders, a thick coat that changes with the seasons, and large heads that they use to plow through deep snow in the winter. They also use this strong skull to plow through morons who get too close.

Keep Your Distance

When visiting Yellowstone National Park, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from bison to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals. The National Park Service (NPS) recommends staying at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison at all times... and that distance is great for predators like bears and wolves. Bison may seem calm and slow, but they are wild animals that can be unpredictable and dangerous. They can run up to 35 miles per hour and are capable of inflicting serious injury if they feel threatened. Many incidents occur because visitors underestimate the danger and approach too closely to take photos or observe them more closely. Exhibit A... Despite the pleas from people nearby, this dude wandered right up to a grazing bison and immediately learned his lesson. Well... at least I hope he learned a lesson. As he approaches the bison, completely ignorant of the kind of destruction that bison could inflict on him, the bison quickly turns around and makes a run for him, closing the distance in an instant. And granted, there wasn't much distance to close, but he was more than caught off guard. Luckily for him... the bison let him off with a warning, and charged just enough to get him to retreat. Contact was minimal, embarrassment was high, but at least the bison didn't run through him like it easily could have. We're also in the midst of the bison mating season right now, and bulls will be MUCH more aggressive when it comes to defending their territory and space. Consider yourself warned. The mating season, also known as the rut, typically occurs from late July through September. During this time, male bison become more aggressive as they compete for the attention of female bison. The rut is characterized by bulls displaying dominance through behaviors like loud bellowing, head-butting, and wallowing in the dirt to mark their territory. These displays often lead to intense confrontations between bulls, with the strongest males earning the right to mate with receptive females. Like I said, it could've been MUCH worse for this bozo... https://www.instagram.com/p/C_N5tqPOQE8/?hl=en

Impacts On The Ecosystem

Yellowstone is actually home to the largest genetically pure bison herd in North America. Unlike many bison found elsewhere, which have been crossbred with cattle, the Yellowstone bison have maintained their genetic integrity. This herd is a direct descendant of the millions of bison that once roamed the Great Plains, making them a living link to America's wild past. Bison also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of Yellowstone's ecosystem. As grazers, they shape the landscape by feeding on grasses and sedges, which in turn influences the composition and distribution of plant species. Their grazing patterns create a mosaic of habitats that benefit other species, including elk, pronghorn, and a variety of bird species. In the winter, bison's ability to forage through deep snow provides access to food for other animals, such as elk, that follow in their paths. Additionally, bison contribute to the nutrient cycle by fertilizing the soil with their waste, promoting plant growth in the spring. https://www.instagram.com/p/C90MyktuDkV/?hl=en