Child Narrowly Escapes as Bison Chases on Yellowstone Boardwalk, July 28

Video captured on July 28 shows a bison briefly chasing a child along a boardwalk at Yellowstone National Park after visitors ignored safety rules. The child escaped unharmed, but the incident highlights a pattern of dangerous behavior. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, according to park officials. The park records an average of a couple of bison-related injuries each year.

What happened on the boardwalk

Footage shared by witness Brittany Peteler shows several adults and children walking near a bison on July 28. One woman safely passed the animal. A second group with children then walked toward the bison despite warnings from other visitors. One child ran, and the bison briefly gave chase before the child reached safety. No injuries were reported. Visitors can be heard yelling “Go back! Do not go towards him!” in the video.

Why bison are faster and more dangerous than they look

Bison can run up to 35 mph, faster than Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt’s world-record speed of 27.8 mph. A bull bison weighs up to 2,000 pounds and can pivot quickly despite its size. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, according to park officials. People often misjudge the threat because bison resemble livestock rather than predators.

The 25-yard rule and recent attacks

Yellowstone requires visitors to stay at least 25 yards from bison, elk, and most large wildlife. That distance equals about two bus lengths. Bears, wolves, and cougars require 100 yards of distance. On July 10, Carl McDaniel, 65, suffered multiple fractures when a bison charged him near Bridge Bay Campground while he walked with his grandson. McDaniel said the bison moved much faster than he anticipated. His grandson was not injured.

Park safety warnings and visitor responsibility

The park’s website states: “The animals in Yellowstone are wild and dangerous, no matter how docile they may appear to be.” Officials warn that “wild animals can be aggressive when people do not respect their space.” The safest way to view wildlife is from inside a vehicle. Visitors are responsible for maintaining the required distance. The park records an average of a couple of bison-related injuries each year, with at least two people injured in separate encounters in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Yellowstone bison attacks remain preventable. The 25-yard rule exists because bison can outrun and overpower humans. Visitors who ignore this distance put themselves and their families at serious risk.

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