Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

How to Avoid Getting Attacked by a Bison

Mark Stock
By

Let’s start with the facts: It’s highly unlikely you’ll ever be attacked by a majestic bison, symbol of the American west. The docile beasts, a species that once blanketed the continent by the millions now call only a few places home.

So, unless you’re passing through Yellowstone country (including the Grand Tetons) or the Wind Cave National Park area of North Dakota, you’re probably not going to encounter a bison. Although, a few wild herds are believed to reside elsewhere, such as Utah. The many commercial herds out there won’t be escaping their pens anytime soon, but the know-how wrapped up in avoiding an attack is worth having no matter what, as it applies to a lot of larger mammals in the creature kingdom.

For those off to the nation’s first and foremost park, it’s certainly handy info. An estimated 5,000 bison wander the many meadows and river valleys of this breathtaking western landscape. The population fluctuates a bit each year, as some of the animals are hunted when they mosey past park boundaries. Overall, though, this is the wildest batch of bison America has left and it’s a delight to be in the company of the animal.

Aenic/Pexels

For the record, bison are as quick as horses, able to reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. That’s a hell of a lot faster than you can run, even if you’re Usain Bolt. Oh, and they can weigh up to a ton, with a lot of that weight distributed in a massive, horn-clad head. That’s big enough for largest mammal in North America (sidenote: buffalo reside in Africa while bison live in America). No, they’re not going to eat you as they prefer grass, but they can trample you or launch you like a rag doll (warning: it’s a sobering video but worth watching to appreciate raw power). 

In other words, you don’t stand much of a chance against the animal in the unlikely scenario where it feels provoked or threatened and charges your way. Every year, there are cases of attacks in Yellowstone especially, but the vast majority of the time, it’s the tourists who are making all of the wrong decisions.

Here are some pointers to avoid getting gored by one of these mostly peaceful critters:

Give Space

The National Park Service recommends that you leave at least 25 yards between yourself and any bison. You should do at least that. One of the most common and problematic scenarios involves people getting to close to a bison, often for a photo and Instagram glory. Keep your distance. As gentle as bison appear, they will charge if approached. Keep in mind that these are not merely cattle lumbering through the Rockies. These are wild animals that don’t trust you (and why should they?). Watch for a standing tail, as it indicates an upset bison potentially on the verge of a charge. When out on the trail and you see one from afar, gently announce your presence. Bison are fairly used to people in Yellowstone, but prefer knowing you’re around as opposed to being startled. 

Be Patient

There’s nothing more quintessential these days in Yellowstone than the bison jam. That’s when a herd, often in the several hundreds in size but sometimes larger, moves across a main road, resulting in a traffic jam. Turn your engine off and enjoy it, you don’t get this anywhere else. Too often, an impatient driver attempts to weave through the herd, in a rush to see the next Old Faithful eruption. If you value your health and the health of your car, just wait it out. Better yet, crack the windows and take in the prehistoric grunts and musical sound of countless hooves on asphalt.

Recognize Families and the Season

There are things to look out for when it comes to bison, especially when you’re on the trail and can’t simply hide away in your car. Bison mothers are justifiably protective of their calves, so never get in between mom and kids. Young bison can be more playful and exploratory so leave extra space. Tempting as it is to frolic about with these adorable little animals, momma bison does not approve. The rut occurs every summer and we’re currently in the midst of it. From about June to September, males can be especially aggressive as they’re competing for mates.

Last Resort

Should a charge actually take place, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Unlike a grizzly bear attack, playing dead’s not going to help you here. Nor will flailing your arms, getting big, or making a bunch of noise. If there’s a standoff, move slowly and away from the bison. Should things escalate, you’re advised to move as fast as you can and find shelter, whether that’s behind a rock or, better yet, up a tree. Cover your head and neck if you can’t safely leave the area and there’s no shelter to be found. Bear spray can be used as a last resort to stun the animal and, hopefully, scare it away.

Don’t be an Idiot

I can’t stress this enough: Don’t be an idiot. That means, don’t try to feed them or catch a bull’s attention by tossing a rock his way. Don’t place your son or daughter in danger by posing them dangerously close. And no matter what, do not be this (drunken) guy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
How Fly-Fishing Practically Invented Social Distancing
fly fishing invented social distancing how practically personal space

As spring dawns upon us, there’s no doubt that this season is the best time to engage in rejuvenating outdoor activities like fly-fishing. Why? In the world of fly-fishing, the season is correlated with increased trout presence, bug hatches, and the gradual warming of rivers, helping you score several trout in a blink of an eye. Although fly fishing is a fun and fulfilling hobby, do bear in mind that it is grounded on a framework of peace and quiet, especially when it comes to respecting the environment and every other fly fisher’s personal space (or “bubble”).
Related Guides

Best Fishing Gear
How to Clean Fish
Healthiest Fish To Eat

Read more
How to Remove a Tick: A Simple Guide to Safely Getting Rid of Ticks
tick leaf

For even avid outdoorsmen, dangerous wildlife encounters are exceedingly rare. Most apex predators from bears to sharks to mountain lions tend to keep to themselves. It’s the smaller critters that are often of most concern. That includes everything from ants to spiders to ticks. Bites from the last of these are among the most common. Unfortunately, they also have the highest potential for health risks and even death from complications. Here’s a step-by-step guide for avoiding and safely removing ticks.
How to Avoid Getting a Tick Bite
If you’ve spent any significant time outdoors, knowing how to avoid ticks and tick bites is probably second nature. The most obvious way to avoid an encounter is to stay away from areas where they’re likely to be hiding. Tall grass, dense brush, and fallen logs and branches are all prime grounds for ticks. Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pant legs into socks when heading out on a hike or in any of these areas.

The most proactive way to avoid ticks is to repel them by wearing bug repellent on your skin. If you prefer the all-natural route, lemon eucalyptus oil is the most proven and effective chemical-free option. Nothing works better, however, than DEET. Wearing a chemical repellent that’s at least 80% DEET— something like Sawyer Jungle Juice 100 is best — is almost guaranteed to keep mosquitoes, leeches, chiggers, in-laws, dogs, babies, and ticks away. If you spend significant time outdoors, consider doubling up on the repellent by treating clothing with a spray-on permethrin treatment.

Read more
How to Treat a Snake Bite When You’re Stuck in a Worst-Case Scenario
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

In the summertime, the call of the wild demands to be answered. Whether you’re hiking, camping, enjoying your backyard, or you just live in Florida, there’s a small chance that answering that call will be met with some aggressive fauna. The usually silent slithering of a snake can ruin a day spent basking in nature, but a snake bite doesn't have to ruin your life.
What to Do Immediately After a Snake Bite
"The first thing to do is get away from the snake — don't try to capture it, that's just going to provide the potential for more people to get hurt," Dr. Nicholas Kman, professor of emergency medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Live Science.

In the moment, you should try to remember what the snake looked like or take a picture. Markings are beneficial, but the eyes are the window to the venom. Most venomous snakes in North America have eyes like slits as well as triangular heads and visible fangs. The exception to this pit viper physiology is the coral snake, which is often confused for the less dangerous king snake.

Read more