Nothing like running into a 2,000 pound beast while you are out on a jog at Yellowstone National Park.
It’s estimated that around 4,500 bison roam around Yellowstone, which means that there’s a good chance you run into one if you ever decide to visit. When I say “run” into, I typically mean that in the sense that you’d see one while you drive through the beautiful landscape, or catch a glimpse of one off in the distance while on a hike.
But in this case, a social media influencer actually ran into a bison while she was trying to get some exercise.
Lindsay Arnold, a famous individual on socials and a former pro on Dancing with the Stars, shared a video of her out on a run near the campsite she was staying at in Yellowstone. Little did Lindsay know, she wasn’t the only one out and about that morning. In fact, there was a big ol’ bison that was also getting an early start to the day, and the influencer and wild animals crossing paths was all caught on video.
The National Park Service advises tourists to stay 25 yards away from animals that are deemed “non-violent.” That list includes bison, elk, and other creatures that tend to be docile – though docile is a relative term. When it comes to bears, wolves, and other apex predators, the NPS warns park goers to keep 100-yards between them and the animals.
I’ve voiced in the past that maybe that buffer zone should be stretched out to 100-yards for every animal, just to be safe. There are far too many people that get too close or even get injured by wild animals at Yellowstone National Park, so it could be a good idea to make the warning distance the length of a football field.
Fortunately for Arnold, she was able to spot the bison ahead of her on the path and quickly came to a halt. She stopped only for a moment (to get footage of the bison grazing near the campsite), and then intelligently decided to turn things around and head back to her camper on a different, less-bison-filled route.
Does the cynical part of me think that she saw the bison, ran towards it on purpose, and then acted like she was surprised when she got closer? Yes, I do. It’s what any good influencer would do for social media clout. But the hopeful part of me thinks that Arnold really did get caught off guard by the bison, and decided to use the opportunity as somewhat of a PSA to help others know it’s not smart to get near wild animals.
Take a look:
“POV: You go for a jog around your campsite in Yellowstone and run into a friend. Nothing like having a bison as a running buddy.”
@lindsarnold Nothing like having a Bison as a running buddy 😅 #yellowstone #campinglife #outdoors #outdoorrunning #bisonyellowstone ♬ trees and flowers by strawberry switchblade – Eissej
