A close encounter with a wolf pack led to a close call with a bison stampede for visitors to Yellowstone National Park last week.
Visitors and tour companies flocked to Hayden Valley after hearing about sightings of the Wapiti wolf pack. When wildlife photographer and tour guide Jeff Vanuga arrived at the site with his group, the pack was stalking a herd of bison, according to Cowboy State Daily. After expertly maneuvering the herd, the wolf pack was able to isolate and take down one of the calves.
What followed was something no one could have anticipated.
About ten bison began charging through the deep snow and made their way up the road. Vanuga told Cowboy State Daily that they all anticipated the bison would redirect, but instead they came straight at the group of spectators.
“People hurriedly got off the side of the road, or many got behind their coaches,” he said. “It was properly handled by the guides, drivers, and the individual people.”
Once he was safe, Vanuga was able to snap a few pictures of the scene.
Yellowstone’s 5,000-strong herd of bison is one of its biggest draws for visitors. The park urges wildlife spectators to remain at least 25 yards away from bison. In the event of a stampede, the best thing to do is put a large barrier between you and the bison.
