Everywhere you look there’s a different video coming from Yellowstone National Park that shows someone doing something that’s objectively dangerous. Time and time again they think it’s the right decision to approach an animal that weighs two to three times more, in some cases even five times.
They should just have their own network that air morons of Yellowstone 24/7.
Enjoy the views from afar and remember that these roads were built to enjoy these great things safely and not to bug the ever-living hell out of an animal that can, and will, run you over. Whether it’s a bison, elk or grizzly bear, these people just don’t get it. Even with the countless signs and warnings along with park rangers constantly telling them how to act safely.
At this point, it’s just sad…
However, I still get enjoyment out of seeing one of these fools panic when their plan goes terribly wrong. I’m not saying I want to see someone get hurt, even though it’s bound to happen. But, it’s hilarious seeing the fear go through them when they realize this isn’t a petting zoo animal.
Elk are the most abundant large mammal in Yellowstone National Park and serves as the foundational cornerstone of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s food web. People travel specifically to the park to see these beauties in action.
Numbering in the tens of thousands across several distinct herds, elk are the primary biological engine of the park. They are the main prey source for Yellowstone’s apex predators, including gray wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions. The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 fundamentally changed elk behavior, keeping them constantly on the move, which in turn, prevented the elk from overgrazing riverbanks. That allowed willow and aspen groves to recover and ecosystem engineering species like beavers to thrive. You know, the circle of life…
Bull elk are massive animals, frequently weighing over 700 pounds, while cows typically weigh around 500 pounds. Despite their size, they are incredibly athletic, capable of jumping eight-foot fences from a standstill and reaching top sprint speeds of up to 40 miles per hour to evade predators. They can close what feels like a safe distance in a hurry.
Keep Your Distance
Yellowstone National Park strictly requires all visitors to stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away from elk at all times.
While they frequently graze right next to roads, visitor centers, and even the hotel cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs, they are deeply unpredictable wild animals. The park heavily enforces this 25-yard rule for a few critical reasons… number one being the rut.
During September and October, massive bull elk are highly aggressive, agitated, and pumped full of testosterone. They will ruthlessly defend their harems of cows and have been known to violently charge pedestrians, flip tourists into the air, and smash their antlers into passing cars that get too close.
However, as we’ll see here in a minute, cows can hold their own as well.
In late May and June, cow elk give birth and stash their calves in tall grass or brush. A mother elk is fiercely protective and will aggressively charge, kick, or stomp anyone who accidentally wanders near her hidden calf.
This fella, who according to reports was more than a bit overserved, found out the hard way why you don’t want to bother a cow. The tourist goes up to the cow thinking he might be safe because there is a flower cart between him and the cow. But then, he almost seems to be trying to get the animal all worked up.
He dances around trying to keep something between them, but the elk doesn’t appreciate how close he is. As steps out from behind his safety, the cow elk takes a short step towards him and that’s enough to make the man realize what could happen here. And as he begins to run, he hits the ground… hard.
The elk knows she’s done enough and runs away from the moron, who gets back up, embarrassed at that act of buffoonery. Humbled REAL quick…
“One Last Hurrah”
Believe it or not, this isn’t the first intoxicated person to harass an animal in Yellowstone National Park. But I will admit… this next story is a little bit funnier. I mean, it’s one thing to walk right up to one these wild animals, it’s a whole other ballpark to walk out and try to actually challenge one.
I’m sorry but you don’t stand a chance and this bison has the ability to run you over, pick you up, and do it again…
The video starts with an adult bison walking through busy traffic in Yellowstone National Park. You notice a man get out of his vehicle and start to walk to the bison, which at this point has walked off the road. He begins to put his arms out and do what can only be described as an aggressive challenge. The bison immediately takes notice and runs right up to the man. He gives a fair warning but the stupid man puts his arms out and taunts the massive animal again!
The big fella charges fast this time, but somehow, the man slips his charge. But he doesn’t stop.
The bison though, proves to be far smarter. He realizes the dumb man isn’t worth the energy and calmly walks away as if to say “I could kill, but you’re not worth it”.
However, according to NCB News, the man went to jail for the stunt.
Oregon man Raymond Reinke was sentenced to 130 days in jail for drunkenly harassing a bison that had stopped traffic on a Yellowstone National Park roadway. He reportedly justified his drunken behavior by stating that he and a buddy were on a road trip to celebrate “one last hurrah” before he entered an alcohol treatment program. After his 15 minutes of fame from the viral video was up, he was sentenced to 60 days in jail for harassing wildlife, 60 days for interfering with law enforcement and 10 days for disorderly conduct. He was given credit for 21 days served.
He was also banned from Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier national parks for a five-year probationary period during which he is not allowed to drink alcohol.
Reinke reportedly told the judge”
“I’m sorry to the buffalo. He didn’t deserve what I did to him.”
The judge replied:
“You’re lucky the bison didn’t take care of it, and you’re standing in front of me.”
Not argument here… hope buddy had a successful stint in rehab. It sounds like he needs it…
