A visitor to Yellowstone National Park witnessed an incident involving a small dog and some bison last weekend.
Kyle Wilkinson was visiting the park on Saturday, May 11 when he captured on video a dog running around and barking at two bison.
Wilkinson told MTN News the incident occurred between Grand Prismatic Spring and Norris Geyser Basin.
During the video, a person can be heard trying to call the dog back. At one point, a bison kicks at (but misses) the small dog.
Yellowstone National Park officials gave MTN News the following statement:
“Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. People should always stay at least 25 yards away from bison. Park regulations also state that pets must be physically controlled at all times. Because the owners of the dog did not have it on a leash, not only did it cause the bison to become agitated, but it also caused a hazardous situation to the owners.”
The moment joins a long line of incidents involving wildlife in Yellowstone.
In July of 2018, a man was caught on camera taunting a bison on a road in Hayden Valley. He was later sentenced to 130 days in jail by a federal judge in Wyoming.
In September of 2018, a man was knocked down by an elk while standing on the side of the road. He was not injured.
The regulations concerning pets in Yellowstone National Park are as follows:
- Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.
- Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long.
- Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
- Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
- Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate.
- Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well being.
- Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste.
You can read more about park rules concerning pets here.
