The rules are simple – visitors in Yellowstone National Park need to stay on the boardwalks and marked paths for the safety of themselves, the environment, and the iconic flora and fauna. But a recent video suggests the park’s biggest residents should probably be reminded to abide by the same rules.
Yellowstone visitor and YouTube user Adam Nigels posted a short video he shot at the Norris Geyser Basin. In the video, a large male bison clearly (and audibly) breaks the boards on one of the boardwalks.
The bison was crossing over the boardwalk when its footstep broke several boards. People on either side were wowed and laughing, but the bison barely acknowledged this clear incident of federal property damage and continue on its way.
Furthermore, another male bison followed the first’s example and crossed the boardwalk at the same spot. No further damage occurred.
As of Friday, May 19, Nigel’s twenty-five-second video has been viewed over seven million times. While it was originally posted in June 2022, the video has started trending on social media again. This might have to do with the opening of Yellowstone National Park’s East and South Entrances for Summer 2023.
While it’s hard to judge from the video, everyone on the boardwalk appears to be standing a respectful distance from the sauntering bison. Visitors are asked to stay at least 25 yards away from Yellowstone’s herbivores.
