Watch: Bison Charges Tourist in Yellowstone, Rangers Arrest Him Moments Later

Visitors to national parks often hope for a close encounter with wildlife, but some take it too far.

A recent incident in Yellowstone National Park showed just how quickly poor decisions can turn dangerous. A man was filmed walking directly toward a herd of bison, only to be charged and knocked down. Park rangers soon arrived and placed him in handcuffs, sending a clear message about the risks of ignoring park rules.

What Is a “Touron”?

The viral video was shared by the Instagram account Tourons of Yellowstone. If you haven’t heard it before, the term “touron” is a mix of tourist and moron. It’s used to describe visitors who ignore common sense and put themselves or wildlife at risk for the sake of a photo or thrill. The term has become widely recognized among park enthusiasts and rangers because these situations happen way more often than many realize.

In fact, I saw this firsthand myself in Estes Park, Colorado, in the Spring of last year. While on a jeep tour, we watched a woman walk right up to a moose, an animal known for being unpredictable and dangerous, just as it charged directly at her and veered away at the last moment. Luckily for her, she escaped with just minor cuts/bruises as she fell over during the charge, but it could have been much worse.

Wildlife Rules in Yellowstone

Yellowstone has clear regulations designed to protect both people and animals:

• Stay at least 25 yards away from most wildlife, including bison, elk, and moose
• Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves
• Do not feed wildlife or leave food unattended
• Report any conflicts with wildlife to a ranger

The National Park Service advises viewing wildlife from inside your vehicle or by using binoculars and telephoto lenses. Approaching or harassing animals is against the law and can lead to citations, fines, or arrest.

A Lesson for Visitors

The Yellowstone video struck a chord with so many people because it showed real consequences, something that often doesn’t make it into viral wildlife clips. For once, a “touron” didn’t just walk away without accountability.

The truth is, getting too close to wildlife isn’t just disrespectful. It can be life-threatening. Whether it’s bison in Yellowstone or moose in Colorado, the safest and smartest way to enjoy these incredible animals is from a distance.