Yellowstone Bison Strike Leaves Tourist Tire Blown and Nerves Rattled

A family’s scenic drive through Yellowstone National Park took an unexpected turn when a bison charged their vehicle, slamming into the side and blowing out a tire. The incident, captured on video and posted to social media, shows the massive animal ramming the car before trotting off, leaving a shredded tire and shaken passengers behind. Park rangers say no one was injured, but the encounter serves as a stark reminder that Yellowstone’s wildlife is far from tame.

The video, which has racked up thousands of views, shows the bison approaching the car from the roadside. In a split second, it lowers its head and rams the driver’s side door, then pivots and strikes the rear tire, causing a loud pop. The vehicle’s occupants can be heard screaming before the engine revs and the car speeds away. Park officials confirmed the bison was not injured and that the driver had stopped too close to the animal, a common mistake that often leads to dangerous interactions.

Each year, visitors are injured by bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at 35 miles per hour. The National Park Service urges guests to stay at least 25 yards away from bison—roughly the length of two school buses—and to never block their path. This latest incident, though minor in terms of injuries, highlights just how quickly a peaceful moment can spiral into a frightening ordeal. For those planning a visit, the lesson is clear: keep your distance, keep moving, and never underestimate the wild inhabitants of America’s first national park.