A Bison Encounter in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks Causes Commotion
Being stuck in traffic can be irritating, especially when the reason for the delay is someone taking a picture near a bison. This is exactly what happened recently in the vicinity of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. A tourist decided to halt their vehicle in the middle of the road, exit their car, and climb onto a grass verge to capture a close-up shot of North America’s largest land mammal.
Not only did this action infuriate motorists, but it also shocked onlookers who witnessed this misguided move. “Oh. My. God,” exclaimed one person in the background of a video uploaded by TikTok user HipMomEllie (@HipMomEllie). A concerned witness warned, “They’re really dangerous.”
Both Grand Teton’s and Yellowstone’s websites explicitly state that visitors must maintain a distance of 25 yards from wildlife at all times. Ignoring this warning, the subject of the photo had their back turned to the colossal animal, unaware that a 2,000-pound bison can charge at 35 miles per hour.
Viewers on TikTok expressed outrage at the video, with one user commenting, “This is why people get hurt. Morons.” Another user described it as “so scary,” while someone else used the “face palm” emoji to convey their disbelief.
Although witnessing this incident in real-time was undoubtedly frustrating, HipMomEllie pointed out that the individual seeking a unique memento was audacious enough to pose for the picture twice. Talk about pushing one’s luck.
Bisons at Yellowstone National Park have caused more harm to people than any other animal, which is why the park has implemented strict rules regarding visitors’ behavior around them. It is expected that visitors to the United States’ national parks would show consideration for the local wildlife and have a desire to protect them. Disrespecting the park’s residents can have dire consequences not only for those who get too close but also for the animals themselves.
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