A fisherman fishing along a river in Yellowstone narrowly avoided a close encounter when a bison quietly approached from behind. A honk from another vehicle — later revealed to be the angler’s wife — alerted him in time, and he retreated calmly without sudden movements. The incident underscores park guidance to stay at least 25 yards from large mammals and 100 yards from bears and wolves, especially during bison breeding season (mid-July to mid-August).
Fisherman Narrowly Escapes Bison Encounter in Yellowstone After Warning Honk
Bison grazing in the early morning hours at Yellowstone National Park.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A fisherman had a close call after a bison quietly approached him from behind while he fished along a river in Yellowstone National Park.
Bison next to danger sign.
Park visitor Kristi Wilt recorded the incident. In the footage, the bison walks toward the angler while the man remains unaware with his back turned. Another parkgoer honked to alert him; Wilt later learned the honk came from the fisherman’s wife.
Woman takes selfie with bison on May 20, 2023 in Yellowstone National Park.
Wilt told Storyful that she hesitated to honk because she worried a loud noise might provoke the animal. After the honk, the fisherman noticed the bison and backed away calmly without making eye contact or sudden movements.
American bison walking in grassland at foot of mountain, National Bison Range, Montana.
“We were all so relieved as he walked like a boss—no eye contact, no fast movements, away from the bison,” Wilt said. Bystanders cheered when he moved to safety.
The close call follows a separate, more serious bison incident weeks earlier near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone. In that event, a 47-year-old woman was gored while walking through a field and later airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center with significant chest and abdominal injuries, according to the National Park Service.
Safety Reminders
Park officials remind visitors to keep a safe distance from wildlife. The National Park Service advises staying at least 25 yards (75 feet) from large animals such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards (300 feet) from bears and wolves.
The U.S. Department of the Interior notes that bison can become more aggressive during the summer breeding season, which typically runs from mid-July through mid-August. Visitors should remain vigilant, give animals plenty of space and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle wildlife.
The video captured by Kristi Wilt highlights the importance of awareness and calm behavior when encountering large animals in national parks. Original video source: Watch: Fisherman narrowly avoids bison encounter in Yellowstone National Park.
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