Bison: Respecting bison and giving them appropriate space and why.
The bison-viewing season is always done from the inside of your car.
It is also NEVER bison petting season. Bison are massive and beautiful. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk.
While most people who visit the outdoors believe they know how to respect and protect the creatures living there, their actions sometimes undercut their good intentions. Even approaching wildlife too closely can quickly lead to unintended and damaging consequences. At best, it adds unnecessary stress for the animal, perhaps causing it to flee and burn extra calories. At worst, wildlife may shift from a flight instinct to the impulse to fight an intruder. These impacts can be avoided if visitors respect wildlife on all outdoor trips.
Leave No Trace Principle #6: Respect Wildlife:
✅Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
✅Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
✅Control pets at all times or leave them at home.
✅Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
📍Ancestral land of the Tséstho’e, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Mnicoujou people
#LeaveNoTrace #EnjoyYourWorld