Kelsey is a freelance writer based in Southern Virginia. She enjoys traveling with her family to destinations from national parks to amusement parks and loves sharing tips and stories from along the way.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes forget the magic that Mother Nature has up her sleeve. But once in a while, she gifts us with something extraordinary.
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In this breathtaking video, a small posse of bison, complete with two adorable babies, decides to take a leisurely walk up a park road. Cars inch along behind them, their drivers and passengers all struck by the unexpected spectacle. On the other side of the road, traffic is at a standstill.
The video playfully dubs this a “bison jam” and asks for advice for anyone who hasn’t experienced this phenomenon before.
The comments section is a treasure trove of advice, but they all boil down to the same thing: Show some respect for the bison and their turf. While an up-close encounter with bison is a real treat, it’s important to remember that these animals aren’t here to entertain us. They’re living reminders of the wild, and we’re just guests in their house.
So, what’s the wisdom shared by fellow viewers? Stay in your vehicle, windows up, keep your voices down, don’t make eye contact, and most importantly, be grateful for the privilege of witnessing this jaw-dropping sight. “Remember, this is their home, not yours,” one commenter gently reminds us.
The Instagram page @TouronsofYellowstone usually spends its time capturing tourists behaving in ways they probably shouldn’t, but this video is a happy deviation from the norm. This time, everyone’s playing by the rules, and it’s heartwarming to see humans and nature getting along famously.
As you watch the video, it’s hard not to be swept up in the wonder of the moment. The bison move with an air of tranquility, unbothered by the slow-moving cars in their midst. Those little calves, with their innocent charm, are absolutely precious and are carefully protected in the middle of the small herd. It’s not every day you get to see such a scene, and it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe wash over you.
Yellowstone National Park offers us a glimpse into the wild, but it also reminds us of the delicate balance between human curiosity and the preservation of nature’s sanctuaries.
In a world where human-wildlife interactions sometimes end badly for the animals (and, in the case of some of @TouronsofYellowstone’s featured videos, end badly for the humans), this “bison jam” is a shining example of how we can live in harmony with nature, cherishing the privilege of witnessing it up close. It’s a reminder of the incredible beauty that’s just outside our car windows and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
So, if you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself stuck in a “bison jam,” remember the advice of those who cherish these precious encounters and soak in the unexpected treat of being in the presence of these incredible creatures.
This video originally appeared on @TouronsofYellowstone