Video recorded July 28 at Yellowstone shows a boy approaching a bison near a boardwalk; the animal briefly followed but did not make contact and no injuries were reported. The footage, recorded by Brittany Peteler and shared by WPVI/ABC, went viral. Yellowstone requires visitors to remain at least 25 yards from bison and warns that calm animals can quickly become aggressive. Watch for warning behaviors like head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or a raised tail and choose an alternate route if a bison is nearby.
Viral Video Shows Bison Follow Boy Near Yellowstone Boardwalk — No Injuries Reported
Image Credit: melissamn at Shutterstock. For Illustration Purposes
A tense encounter at Yellowstone National Park was captured on video on July 28 when a young boy approached a bison standing beside a boardwalk. The clip, recorded by visitor Brittany Peteler and later shared by WPVI/ABC, quickly went viral as other park visitors watched from the nearby boardwalk.
The footage opens with a woman walking past a bison that is standing very close to the boardwalk. A group that included several children then moved along the same path. One child broke away from the group and ran; the bison turned, walked briefly in the child’s direction, and then slowed without making contact. Park officials say no injuries were reported.
What Visitors Should Know
Yellowstone policy requires visitors to stay at least 25 yards (about 75 feet) away from bison and other large wildlife. Animals that appear calm can become aggressive if people enter their space. The National Park Service advises visitors to retreat or choose a different route if a bison blocks a trail. If a bison follows someone who has come too close, people should move away immediately and, if needed, put a substantial obstacle (like a car or large tree) between themselves and the animal.
Bison Facts And Safety Signs
Bison can run up to 35 mph and can pivot quickly despite weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. They are responsible for more injuries to visitors in Yellowstone than any other animal. Park rangers recommend watching for warning behaviors such as head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or a raised tail; these actions can indicate that a charge may be imminent.
This encounter ended without injury, but it serves as a reminder that curiosity or a sudden movement by a person can provoke dangerous reactions from large wild animals.
Yellowstone is home to the largest bison population on public land in the United States and is the only place in the country where these animals have lived continuously since prehistoric times. The viral video highlights both the public’s fascination with wildlife and the importance of following park safety rules.
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