Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 30, 2015
1. Looks Can Be Deceiving Marker
Bison seem lazy and docile grazing in the sun. They are massive and look as if they can hardly move. Do not be fooled. They are wild animals. They can spring to their feet in an instant if they feel threatened. They can leap over fences and run 35 miles per hour. They can hurl you high in the air with one toss of a horn. The bison know where you are, so be aware of their personal space at all times. Do not frighten them or give them a reason to be angry. They are dangerous and unpredictable. People have been killed by bison in Yellowstone. Please respect them.
Be Safe
✔ALWAYS be alert.
✔ NEVER approach bison.
✔ ALWAYS stay at least 25+ yards (23 m) away. More space is better.
✔ Make sure there is an escape route for you AND the bison.
✔ Get a closer look with a spotting scope, telephoto lens, or binoculars.
✔ Remain in your vehicle if you encounter bison on the road.
✔ Keep an eye on the tail. If a bison watches you and its tail goes up, it is a sign for you to pay attention. Don’t wait. Get away.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals.
Location. 44° 41.008′ N, 110°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rut in Hayden (here, next to this marker); Hayden Valley (here, next to this marker); Chittenden Memorial Bridge (approx. 1.8 miles away); Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River (approx. 2.1 miles away); Brink of Upper Falls (approx. 2.1 miles away); Uncle Tom’s Point (approx. 2.2 miles away); Uncle Tom’s Trail (approx. 2.3 miles away); Geologic Junction (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 30, 2015
2. Looks Can Be Deceiving Marker
A herd of bison can be seen behind the marker, on the other side of the Yellowstone River.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 30, 2015
3. Markers in the Hayden Valley
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 30, 2015
4. Bison in the Hayden Valley
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 273 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 22, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
