A video of a woman approaching a wild bison for a selfie at Yellowstone National Park is receiving a lot of backlash on social media. Rightly so, as her actions put both her and the bison’s lives in potential danger!
Witnesses claim that the woman was repeatedly told not to approach the bison for a selfie, but she did so anyway. Experts state that the woman could have easily been gored, which would have caused the bison to be euthanized – through no fault of its own!
The Scene
A statement released by the National Park Service stated that park regulations require people to stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, and a minimum of 100 yards away from bears and wolves. The statement also clarified that disregarding these regulations could lead to fines, injuries, or even death.
Fun facts about the bison
- Massive Mammals: Bison are some of the largest land mammals in America! Adult bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand around 6 feet tall – not including their head and horns.
- Historic Creatures: Bison have a long history in North America and are often refered to as a keystone species because of the huge role they play in the ecosystem.
- Appearance: Bison have a characteristic hump on their back, which consists of muscle mass to help support their massive heads! Their shaggy fur varies in color of different shades of brown, and they have a beard under their chin.
- Mating Behavior: During the mating season, male bison engage in a behavior known as wallowing. By rolling around in dirt or mud wallows and covering themselves with a layer of mud, helps attract females by showing off their strength.
- Conservation: Bison were once almost extinct due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, succesfull conservation efforts have led to a recovery in their population numbers. In the United States, organizations and national parks have played a significant role in reintroducing bison to their natural habitats and ensuring their survival.
Lessons to be learned
Taking selfies with wild animals, such as bison, puts both the person and the animal in danger. Bison are powerful and large animals who become aggressive when they feel threatened or cornered. And apporaching them too closely could act as a trigger for these defensive behaviours, potentially leading to attacks and injuries.
Yellowstone National Park, like many other wildlife conservation areas, have rules and guidelines implemented to ensure that both the park’s visitors and wildlife is kept safe. These rules, such as the ones regarding safe distances to admire wildlife, prevent distrubing the wildlife and reduce risks to visitors.
What we can do
As visitors in these parks, we need to adhere to these rules and guidelines. For both our safety and the well-being of the wildlife who call the park home. Safe distances can also be maintained by using zoom lenses for photography or using binoculars to see better.
Summary of the Bison Selfie
After cases such as this one, where the woman approached the bison for a selfie, park authorities take measures to educate visitors on the risks and consequences of their actions, and might even hand out fines when these rules are violated. Public awareness campaigns and signage are also used as a reminder to act responsibly around wildlife.
Video
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Sean
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
Go on. Pet the furry cows!!
C Travers
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
Wish she was gored but then they have to kill the bison..ban her from all National Parks and heavy fine
Deb
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
People can be tracked down and fined for such careless endangerment. If the fines are high enough people may actually think.
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
Lessons to be learned!
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
Why don’t they fine people who bother the wildlife