The best view leaves room for the animal.
Bring patience and a longer view to wildlife watching.
Distance comes first
Yellowstone instructs visitors to stay at least 25 yards, or 23 metres, from bison. A minimum is not a target to work towards. Give animals more room where possible, follow posted instructions, and use binoculars or a long lens instead of closing the gap.
An animal can change the plan
If a bison moves towards you, move away to maintain distance. Do not treat a trail, parking area, or roadside as a guarantee that close contact is acceptable. Be prepared to turn around rather than squeeze past an animal.
Choose the photograph afterwards
A good image starts with an appropriate position, not a need to fill the frame. Avoid getting distracted by the screen. Decide where you can stand safely first, then choose a composition that works from there.
Read the current local guidance
Different parks and situations may require different precautions. Review the place you are visiting before you arrive and follow ranger instructions. The photograph can be missed; the animal’s space should not be negotiated.
Check current local park guidance before a visit. Observe from a distance and follow posted instructions.