Snowmobilers in Yellowstone National Park experienced several close calls recently with a charging bison.
The accompanying footage – one of three clips that show the tense encounter – reveals a bull bison determined to prevent the snowmobilers and a large tourist coach to pass.
The first clip, posted above, shows the bison charging toward several snowmobilers as they pass the animal, two or three at a time, though without high drama.
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In the second and third clips, the bison turns its attention to the coach, which it seems to bluff charge and even nudge at times as the driver inches along, trying to find the right moment to pass.
“He’s looking at us!” a passenger in the coach exclaims.
Yellowstone National Park saw the footage and issued this statement to ABC Fox: “Animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. During winter, wildlife endure extremes of cold, wind, and the absence of ready food. Give animals space.”
Bison, which can weigh 2,000 pounds, have injured more people in the park than any other animal. The fault is usually that of tourists who get too close, thinking they’re safe, and are either rammed or gored.
Yellowstone warnings are clear: “Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards from bison.”
