Bison incidents in Yellowstone have been at a critical mass this year. On July 10, 2026, Carl Isom-McDaniel was tossed into the air by a rampaging bison that witnesses said chased after other people, too. The incident was captured on video by a local photographer and quickly went viral, inspiring many online conversations about tourists’ responsibility when interacting with wildlife.
There were mixed reactions after the National Park Service (NPS) revealed that it would not be euthanizing the animal, particularly because new U.S. Department of Interior communication guidelines for NPS prevented them from creating an advisory until several days after the initial incident.
Though Isom-McDaniel followed all the park guidelines, not every tourist is as conscientious. Now a new viral video featuring a Yellowstone bison has surfaced on X, and unlike in the last one, these tourists were unharmed despite breaking multiple park rules.
Yellowstone Tourists Caught On Video Approaching A Yellowstone Bison
In a now viral video captured by Brittany Peteler, a Yellowstone National Park bison is seen chasing a child after a group approached it along a trail. Despite park rules banning visitors from approaching any wildlife, especially bison, the group seemingly ignored this advice to get a closer look.
In the video, you can see a woman approach the animal on a boardwalk trail, pass the animal, and arrive on the other side safely. Peteler can be heard off camera letting out an exasperated sigh of relief.
Despite narrowly escaping danger, a group of people followed her, nearing closer to the the animal, and in an unbelievable moment, a child breaks away and runs past the animal down the trail. The bison turns and follows, then both are obscured by a stand of trees.
You can then hear Peteler yelling to the group begging them to back away. Her warning mirrors NPS advice for wildlife encounters.
“Wild animals can be aggressive when people do not respect their space. Visitors are responsible for staying at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. If wildlife approach you, move away to maintain the required distance. Never approach, touch, feed or crowd wildlife, even if an animal appears calm,” a spokesperson from Yellowstone National Park said.
Though they appear large and lumbering, bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. “They are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans and will defend their space when threatened,” warns a spokesperson for the park.
Viewer Reactions Agree: Yellowstone Is “Not A Petting Zoo”
The reactions online, as you might expect, are largely unsupportive. Additionally, many people are taking this video as evidence of a growing problem of tourists disrespecting wild animals with ill effects.
“Wildlife isn’t a photo op. People keep getting way too close to bison in Yellowstone and it’s only a matter of time before one of these ends tragically. Glad the kid is okay, hopefully this is a wake-up call for everyone,” a user on X said.
Even those who don’t relate the events in the video to some sort of systemic problem seem to agree that the tourists depicted were definitely in the wrong.
Reactions To The Viral Bison Encounter Video On X
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“Wild animals aren’t tourist attractions. Keeping a safe distance is there for a reason.” |
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“Glad everyone ended up okay, but people seriously need to respect wildlife and keep their distance. Nature is not a petting zoo.” |
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“Getting chased by a full-grown charging bison is a terrifying consequence of ignoring basic park safety rules.” |
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“Seems like the problem was the child and/or parents.” |
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“Why would the parents let their kids get that close when we all know what will happen?” |
While some tourists don’t feel the need to follow it, Yellowstone’s guidelines for how to behave around bison are both comprehensive and clear.
Bison At Yellowstone National Park Can Be Dangerous
Yellowstone offers instruction for visitors on how to behave around bison and other wildlife in the park during your visit. Information is available both online and at its several visitor centers. Many of the rules surrounding wildlife in the park are not suggestions. As their park safety information reminds, it is “illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.”
Guidelines For Yellowstone Bison Safety
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Never Approach Bison or Other Wildlife |
If a bison or other animal approaches you, back away to a safe distance. |
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Stay At Least 25 Yards Away from Bison |
Keep a distance of at least 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars, and at least 25 yards from other wildlife including bison. |
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Never Feed Bison or Other Wildlife |
Animals that have been fed by humans can develop aggression, and may harm visitors or need to be euthanized. |
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Do Not Leave Your Things Unattended |
Packs, bags, and coolers containing food can attract animals quickly. Store food in your car or bear-proof storage containers. |
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Report Encounters with Wildlife |
If you have a conflict with an animal while visiting Yellowstone, alert a ranger as soon as possible, or contact them by email or phone at 307-344-2132. |
These rules are particularly important this time of year, when bison are in their mating season. During this time, they can act more unpredictably and behave with more aggression, so it’s extra important to pay close attention to your surroundings during your visit to Yellowstone if you’ve planned a visit soon.
