Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the largest herds of wild bison in the world, and these majestic animals are a popular attraction for visitors to the park.
However, as the video you’re about to see illustrates, it’s important for visitors to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.
One group of tourists traveling throughout the park learned the hard way why you shouldn’t pull your vehicle right up to a wild bison and stop.
A woman inside the vehicle was filming one of the wild bison walking along a patch of grass that had a river on one side and a road full of vehicles traveling down it on the other.
The tourist visiting Yellowstone made the mistake of stopping his car right next to a large bison, in an attempt to get a closer look at the animal.
Unfortunately, this proved to be a dangerous decision, as the bison, agitated by the presence of the car, approached the vehicle and used its sharp horn to pop one of the tires.
Authorities said that the people in the car were able to get their vehicle out of the park and get the tire changed, but learned a valuable lesson — which was to not stop their car next to a bison but continue slowly driving away from it.
This incident serves as a reminder that, while bison may seem docile and harmless, they are still wild animals and should be treated with caution.
The National Park Service recommends keeping a safe distance of at least 25 yards from bison and other wild animals in the park.
Additionally, visitors should never approach wild animals or attempt to feed them, as this can be dangerous for both the animals and people.
It is also important to note that, while the bison were reintroduced to the Park and the surrounding areas, they were hunted to near extinction by the end of the 19th century.
Today, they are a symbol of the Park and a reminder of the importance of conservation.
Furthermore, as a general recommendation on safety, when visiting any national park, tourists should always follow park guidelines and regulations and stay on designated trails and boardwalks to minimize the impact on the natural environment.
In conclusion, the incident of a tourist having their tire popped by a bison serves as a cautionary tale for visitors to Yellowstone and other national parks that these wild animals should be respected and treated with caution at all times, always following park guidelines and regulations to have a safe visit.
Remember that these parks are homes to unique wildlife, and it is our responsibility to preserve them for future generations to enjoy.