As part of the JJ Bison crew heads out West for the week, we examine Bison in the Media! Much of the media coverage of Bison tend to deal with incidents involving tourists being charged or thrown in a Bison attack. In fact, Bison are among the most dangerous animals you are likely to encounter in a state park. Studies show that more people are injured by Bison in Yellowstone National Park each year than by Bears or Wolves.
It may seem strange to many to hear that Bison are so dangerous, but the truth is there are many outside factors that contribute to such a high number of attacks on humans. For one, many tourists are not aware that Bison are able to charge at speeds of up to 35 to 40 mph. It can be hard to believe when watching a herd of grazing Bison who seem as lethargic as average cattle. Tourists from all over the world stop and take pictures of the wild Bison herds roaming in National Parks and do not realize the danger of getting too close.
Another factor is that the Bison mating season runs from July into September and coincides with the vacation season for many tourists. During this time, males become more aggressive as they compete for females. If a male Bison is shepherding a female, anyone who comes too close may be charged or attacked.
At JJ Bison, we respect our animals and our crew understands how to safely manage our herd. Special care is taken when we move, feed, and inoculate our animals to avoid putting any person or Bison in danger. While we share in the opinion that these animals are worthy of admiring, we hope that those who have the privilege of seeing a Bison herd in the wild or captivity will maintain proper distance and heed any safety information. Doing so will reduce the chance of harm to a person or animal while still allowing for that perfect picture. Check out our blog post to learn about the warning signs of a bison and what you can do to have a fun vacation and watch the bison from a safe distance.
Contact us online, email us at meat@jjbison.com, or call us at (443) 252 - 2099 to order your bison today!