A video shot on May 20 shows a woman taking a picture of herself standing dangerously close to a bison in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
The incident occurred in Biscuit Basin. The video shows the bison lying on the ground as the woman stands inches away from its face, smiling at her camera.
The person who shot the video noted their concern about the situation.
“We felt horrible for the bison,” the photographer, who didn’t want to give their name, told Storyful. “We knew if it just inadvertently stood up, she would be gored, and it would most likely have to be euthanized through no fault of its own.”
A number of incidents of tourists coming dangerously close to bison have occurred in the park.
On the same day as the incident in Biscuit Basin, another woman was nearly gored by a bison as she was having her picture taken near the animal.
Two other park tourists looking for a photo opp came too close to bison on May 8. One of the men stood about two feet away from a bison’s face while the other took a picture.
In another video shot on Aug. 8, 2022, two tourists were seen standing on the side of the road as they filmed two bison butting heads in the middle of the road.
Another park tourist came too close to a bison on April 27, 2022. The man walked up to the animal, which then turned around and charged at the man.
The National Park Service cautions park visitors from approaching wildlife, especially bison. According to the NPS, bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.
They said bison are unpredictable and provided the following guidelines for park visitors:
Even when tourists may try to help bison in certain situations, the outcome can be dangerous for the animal.
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For more information on wildlife safety in Yellowstone National Park, visit the NPS website.