Yellowstone Bison Tosses Man in Yellowstone National Park

You’ve probably seen the footage by now. It’s trending, it’s terrifying, and it features a grandfather getting briefly turned into a human gymnast courtesy of a Yellowstone bison, all while out for a stroll with his grandson.

Thankfully, everyone survived, but the video is a viral reminder of a classic golden rule: nature doesn’t have a customer service department.

It’s easy to look at a bison and think, “Wow, what a majestic, oversized pasture puppy,” or “that insanely large wild animal is far enough away–it probably won’t notice me.” But let’s clear something up: these are 2,000-pound tanks with horns and a zero-tolerance policy for personal space violations.

When you step into Yellowstone, you aren’t at a petting zoo; you are a guest in a massive, untamed living room. And they are highly unpredictable.

If you want to keep your feet firmly planted on the terra firma, keep these quick tips in mind:

• The Rule of Thumb: Hold your thumb out at arm’s length. Can you completely cover the animal with it? No? You’re way too close.
• 25 Yards is the Magic Number: Stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away from bison and elk. For bears and wolves, make it 100 yards…or more!
• Head on a Swivel: Wild animals don’t text you before they change direction. Keep your eyes open and your headphones out.

We love a good viral video as much as the next person, but let’s leave the airborne stunts to the professionals. Enjoy the park, respect the wildlife, and remember: if a bison looks like it wants some space, give it the whole zip code.