Not every tourist to wildlife areas obeys the rules and regulations designed to keep both humans and animals safe.<\/p>\n
In a shocking video<\/a> posted by Tourons of National Parks<\/a> (@touronsofnationalparks), visitors of Yellowstone National Park, including several children, watch in awe as a majestic bison passes near them and crosses a road.<\/p>\n “Be bison aware and try to keep at least 25 yards away from the massive 2000lb beasts!” the caption read. “It’s only a matter of time before someone gets flung up into the air again!”<\/p>\n The tourists’ actions are dangerous for several reasons. First and foremost, they are obviously too close, putting themselves in a potentially violent situation if the animal becomes scared and charges.<\/p>\n But they are endangering the bison, too. Even if a wild animal is provoked into an attack, they will more than likely be euthanized.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident of tourists acting inappropriately. In one shocking instance, a woman came within inches of a bison at Yellowstone National Park to take a selfie.<\/p>\n Another video posted on Instagram shows a flock of tourists surrounding a bison at Yellowstone while it was grazing.<\/p>\n Tourists from all over the world flock to National Parks to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors among nature. In fact, the National Park Service<\/a> estimated that over 330 million people visited its parks in 2024.<\/p>\n There are many ways to enjoy our National Parks and the great outdoors while still being respectful. Of course, following the park’s rules and regulations is a great start, but giving animals space and leaving no trace of your visit should be essential.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, choosing low-impact travel options<\/a> is a great way to consider the environment along the way to your destination.<\/p>\n Commenters on the original post<\/a> were shocked by the brazen behavior of the onlookers.<\/p>\n One simply said, “Stay in your vehicle.”<\/p>\n Another added, “This is why I don’t go to national parks anymore. Tourism is ridiculous\u2026give these animals and the environment a break.”<\/p>\n Get TCD’s free newsletters<\/a> for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices \u2014 and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n