WARNING!
Bison can be dangerous!
BISON SAFETY • • • •
Stay at least 125 ft away from any bison! Note: there is no guaranteed safe distance They may appear docile, but can be defensive if they feel threatened. Do not approach bison to take pictures or for any other reason. Your bison selfie isn’t worth your life! Bison can weigh up to 1800 lbs and can run up to 35 mph.
PREVENTING ENCOUNTERS Use common sense, observe the animal for agitated behaviors, and plan ahead
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Keep an eye out for bison at all times. Scan the area ahead to see if bison are present. Bison can be present anywhere on the Island. Make noise when hiking (e.g. talking, clapping) to prevent surprising a bison. Solitary bulls are encountered frequently, in unexpected places, and can be startled easily. Bison often respond negatively to dogs and cyclists. Keep your dog on a leash and well away from bison. Walk your bike if you come across a bison. Avoid female bison with calves; they are extremely protective of their young. Avoid using earbuds while hiking, jogging or cycling as they may prevent you from detecting a bison that is nearby. Many roads and trails on Catalina have high banks, thick brush or steep drop-offs, making bison difficult to see. Bison like to use the roads and trails and prefer to continue in the direction they are going. BE ALERT IN LOW VISIBILITY AREAS AND STAY OUT OF A BISON’S WAY.
What to do if charged
Signs of agitated behavior •
Raising their tail up
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Pawing at the ground
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Continually staring at you
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Swaying head from side-to-side
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Bellowing or huffing
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Side-posturing
Slowly retreat from any bison showing any such sign. Wait for the bison/herd to move on or find another less visible or more distant route around the animal(s).
Tip: Get in the habit of planning escape routes. Look for things to hide behind (brushes, trees, poles).
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Use your escape route and hide.
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Act assertively, yell loudly and/or vigorously wave your arms.
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Throw something that may break their gaze or concentration on you.
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If you cannot avoid contact, get as low to the ground as possible and protect your head and torso.
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Playing dead may stop an attack.
Report safety concerns to Conservancy Rangers at (310) 510-2595 • Dial 911 for emergencies For more information on bison behavior, contact Conservation Department Wildlife Biologists at (310) 510-1299