***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.
When we visited Yellowstone National Park, wildlife viewing was one of the activities I was looking forward to most. I had seen photos of traffic backed up due to bison or bear crossings, and this was one of the only reasons I wouldn’t mind being stuck in traffic! The park did not disappoint, we had many (safe) bison encounters!
Bison are huge, beautiful animals that may appear harmless at first, but when they feel threatened or cornered, they can become aggressive quickly.
The good news? If you are respectful and follow recommended guidelines for bison viewing, you can safely enjoy these beautiful creatures! Be sure to give them lots of space and never approach or try to chase a bison. If a bison is charging at you, back away and try to put an object between you and the animal.
About Bison
Bison, the largest mammals in North America, are huge animals! Weighing up to 2,000 lbs, bison can stand as tall as 6 ft. high and can be as long as 12 ft. long. Bison have two sharp horns that can reach 2 ft. long.
Bison are highly social animals, often traveling in herds. They communicate through grunts, bellows, and body language, especially during calving season and the late-summer rut.
Historically, bison roamed vast grasslands, plains, and prairies in massive herds, shaping ecosystems through their grazing patterns and movement. Today, they primarily live in protected areas such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and managed grasslands, with the largest wild population found in Yellowstone.
Bison are herbivores that spend much of their day grazing on grasses, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy prairie ecosystems. Bison are not predators, but they are large and strong. Despite their appearance, Bison are also very fast animals, running up to 35-40 mph.
While a bison is not predatory, if it feels threatened, stressed, or cornered, it can become aggressive and charge/attack. Knowing how to prevent unsafe bison encounters and what to do if it does occur is the key to safe encounters.
Signs That A Bison Is Going to Attack
Bison will often show signs of an impending attack before they charge at you. Some signs that a bison might be getting agitated include:
- Tails raised straight up
- Bobbing or shaking their head
- Pawing at the ground
- Staring at you
- Bellowing or huffing
- Bluff charges
Remember, wildlife can be unpredictable, so it is important to make sure you are keeping your distance and following recommended guidelines at all times.
How To Avoid a Bison Attack
When it comes to bison (or any wildlife for that matter) the best defense is prevention! Knowing how to avoid a potential attack altogether is the best option.
Following these guidelines can help prevent unsafe bison encounters:
- Always maintain a safe distance when observing bison. You should maintain a distance of at least 25 yards (2 bus lengths). Use the thumb trick-if you can’t cover the entire bison with your thumb held at arm’s length, you are too close to the animal.
- Never try to chase or scare a bison away.
- Always have an escape route planned. Look for large objects you may be able to hide behind.
- Be extra cautious during times when bison may be more aggressive (May-June cows are very protective of calves and July and August-mating season). Never approach a calf.
- Never sneak up on a bison. Always make sure that they know you are in the area.
- Always keep dogs on a leash. Keep small children with you at all times.
What To Do During a Bison Attack
***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***
If you are following recommended distance guidelines, the chances of a bison attack is rare. However, it is not impossible and it is important to know what to do if a bison does begin to charge at you. You will want to:
- Back away from the bison. Do not run away in a straight line, the bison will outrun you. Always move at an angle.
- If possible, find cover immediately. Put something between you and the bison (tree, vehicle, boulder, etc.). They are not good at maneuvering around large objects. Bison also cannot climb trees, so climbing one is a good option.
- If you cannot escape the bison, it is recommended to get on the ground as low as you can. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
- If you are knocked down, protect your head and neck.
- If you have bear spray readily available and a bison is charging you, it might be effective in deterring the animal.
How To Use Bear Spray
While bear spray is not the first line of defense against bison attacks (distance is!), it can be effective in deterring charges in progress. Knowing how and when to use bear spray during bison encounters is essential for your safety.
Steps for Using Bear Spray
- Remove the canister from the holster.
- Remove the safety feature on the trigger. Place your index finger through the handle loop and use your thumb to pull the safety clip straight back and off.
- Point the canister at a slight downward angle and fire towards the charging animal when it is about 50-60 ft. from you. You want the bear spray to create a cloud that the animal has to run through. Do not spray over the animal’s head.
- Continue to spray continuously, creating a barrier. Use the entire can if needed.
- Be sure to watch the direction of the animal. If the animal changes direction, change where you are spraying to keep a barrier between you and the animal.
- Once the animal has stopped charging, slowly back away and leave the area. Do not turn your back and do not run.
- Always report the encounter to park rangers or local wildlife authorities.
***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***
At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do during bison encounters?
Keep your distance. Never approach or chase the bison. Plan your escape route. Look for objects to hide behind. If the animal is showing signs of stress, back away slowly.
What are some signs that a bison might be stressed?
Signs that a bison might be getting stressed/agitated include tails being raised straight up, moving the head from side to side, pawing at the ground, staring at you, bellowing or huffing, and bluff charging.
Is bear spray effective against bison?
Yes, bear spray can be effective for deterring a charging bison. Ensure it is readily available and make sure you know how to use it.
How much distance should I leave between me and a bison?
You will want to have at least 100ft. between you and the bison. Use the thumb trick-if you can cover the entire animal with your thumb when held at arm’s length, you are a safe distance away.
Are bison aggressive?
Although they may appear docile, bison can be aggressive. They are not predatory, but when they feel threatened, stressed, or cornered, they will attack.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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