A tourist in Badlands National Park has gone viral for approaching a massive bison to take a selfie, a move that put them at risk of serious injury. Footage of the encounter shows a woman walking close to the large animal to capture a photograph.
The incident, shared on the Instagram page @touronsofnationalparks, highlights a recurring issue of visitors getting too close to wildlife in national parks. National park officials consistently advise visitors to maintain a safe distance from bison, which are known for their unpredictable nature, significant size, and surprising speed.
Jesse Watters reported on similar incidents in Yellowstone National Park, detailing instances where bison have attacked tourists, including one where a grandfather was thrown several feet into the air. These events underscore the dangers of approaching or provoking wild animals.
The video sparked numerous reactions online, with commenters expressing concern and disbelief. Many pointed out the inherent risks involved in such actions, with one user remarking, "How do [sic] die in 60 seconds part 1." Another commenter drew a parallel to personal space, stating, "People just have no idea! Think of it as a human stranger moving in on your personal space for a selfie and you don’t know them at all!" The phrase "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes" also appeared in the comments.
While such encounters provide dramatic content for social media, they pose a significant threat to human safety and animal welfare. Park authorities urge visitors to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never attempt to feed or interact with them.