Large animals are eye-catching. Avoid conflict with bison by keeping your distance
Jun 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
A bison grazes on Antelope Island on May 5, 2025. (Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
(Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — Bison are large, eye-catching animals that can be found on Antelope Island and in the Henry Mountains and Book Cliffs. While encountering one is thrilling, getting too close can end in injury or death.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently teamed up with the Division of State Parks to remind people to keep their distance.
“Anytime there is a dangerous interaction with wildlife, it’s usually because the person got too close,” said Utah State Parks North Region Manager Wendy Wilson.
Often, incidents happen when state park visitors try to get close for photos or observation. While they appear to be docile, they can be unpredictable and aggressive.
“There is a common misconception that because big game animals like bison and moose aren’t predators, they aren’t dangerous,” said DWR Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson. “In reality, both of these species can be quite aggressive if you get too close.”
The best thing people can do to stay safe around bison is to give them space. Photo taken in July 2022. (Kira Hoffelmeyer/KSL NewsRadio)
Avoiding conflict with bison
The National Park Service recommends remaining at least 25 yards away from large animals, including bison and moose.
How do you know you’re too close? The DWR said that if a bison, or other large animal, appears to stop what it’s doing and begins to pay attention to you, it’s a warning. You are likely too close.
A bison grazes in the Upper Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. (Hannah Schoenbaum/Associated Press)
Back away slowly to avoid startling or riling up the animal.
Similarly, if you see one far away, do not attempt to get closer to it. Remain far away to take photos, potentially using a macro lens to enhance the quality.
Hiking
If you encounter a bison when hiking, turn around and retrace your path. Alternatively, you can leave the trail, leaving a wide space between yourself and the animal.
Although leaving designated trails is typically frowned upon, in this case, it is encouraged.
“If you are in the backcountry hiking and you come across any wildlife that’s in your path, we urge you to travel around it. Whatever distance you think you should remain from the animal, double it — that’s how far back you should stay,” Wilson said.
Driving
When you’re driving in their habitats, pay attention to animals that may be crossing the road. If one stops in the middle, wait for it to leave. Do not leave your vehicle to “shoo” it out of the way.
In a post on Instagram, the National Park Service also dissuaded drivers from honking their car horns at them.
“That will only make them go slower,” the NPS wrote.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re driving and there’s an animal on the side of the road, it is fine to slowly continue past it. The DWR emphasized that you must stay inside your vehicle.
