In a week that saw international tourists abduct a bison calf for fear it would freeze, other visitors are not heeding the rules about staying away from close encounters with Yellowstone’s wild residents.
Park visitor and long-time valley photographer Mary Obringer, saw up close how near our tourists are getting to the wildlife.
Obringer was taking shots near the Hayden Valley on Saturday when her lens captured a dangerous scene with tourists and a bison.
She said that one visitor attempted to pet the animal while another couple calmly posed for a photo as the bison approached from behind.
In 2015, a total of five bison attacks were reported in Yellowstone and while no one was killed, the injuries were quite serious in some cases.
Bison are known to gore those they find hostile and often use their massive heads to launch victims several feet in the air.
The park warns visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison and a hundred yards away from bears. They inform tourists that bison can sprint three times faster than a human.
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