Tourist Risks a Close Encounter with a Bison at Yellowstone

A reckless tourist in Yellowstone National Park filmed himself attempting to challenge a wild bison up close, breaking safety protocols and putting himself in grave danger.

On July 24, the man approached within a few feet of the grazing bison, provoking it with taunts as it stared back with piercing eyes. Despite park warnings to maintain at least 25 feet of distance from these powerful animals, he tried to agitate the beast twice, hoping for a reaction.

The bison, known for their agility and speed—capable of charging at up to 30 miles per hour—didn’t appreciate the disturbance. As it stepped closer, the tourist finally retreated in alarm, nearly tripping over a log before escaping to safety.

Tourist taunting bison near Yellowstone River — The man appeared to provoke the bison twice, despite warnings. Brittney Mathews

Park officials strongly advise visitors to stay at least 25 feet away from bison and not to provoke them, as these animals can react violently if threatened.

Nevertheless, the daring act was captured on video, with the tourist afterward claiming that the bison seemed to “like” him, showing a dangerous lack of understanding of wildlife behavior.

Tourist walking close to bison — Other visitors have been injured by too-close encounters with bison this year alone, including incidents resulting in fatalities.

Indeed, the risks are not limited to humans. Earlier this summer, a bison was inadvertently burned to death after wandering into a hot spring, highlighting the hazards these wild animals face.

Authorities emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance to prevent dangerous situations for both visitors and animals.