Yellowstone National Park is once again reminding visitors that its wildlife is not a petting zoo. After a tourist was violently attacked and hurled into the air by a bison earlier this month, U.S. officials have issued a stark warning: keep your distance or risk serious injury.
The incident, which was captured on video by professional photographer Mike Macleod, shows a man being thrown approximately 8 to 10 feet into the air by an agitated bull bison. Macleod described the animal as "angry, agitated and charging anything and everything." The tourist sustained serious injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital.
In response, park authorities have reiterated guidelines that all visitors must follow. The core message: wildlife is wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm it may appear. The safest way to observe animals is from inside a vehicle, and visitors should always maintain at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears, wolves, and cougars, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison, elk, and other animals.
If an animal moves closer, the warning advises backing away slowly to maintain a safe distance. It is also illegal to knowingly approach or remain near wildlife if it disturbs or displaces the animal. Binoculars and telephoto lenses—especially those with focal lengths of 300mm or more—are recommended for getting a closer view without endangering yourself or the animal.
This warning comes amid a series of urgent shark warnings for July Fourth beachgoers, highlighting a broader pattern of wildlife encounters across the U.S. this summer. The National Park Service urges anyone involved in a conflict with an animal, no matter how minor, to contact a park ranger or dial 911 immediately.
The bison attack serves as a stark reminder that Yellowstone's beauty comes with real risks. As summer crowds flock to the park, officials hope this incident will encourage everyone to respect the boundaries that keep both people and animals safe.
For more on staying safe in the wild, check out the red flag warning issued for Oregon and Idaho due to wildfire threats, which also underscores the importance of caution in natural areas.
