Do's and Don'ts
In this article we'll cover some basic safety tips to help keep you safe out on the Buffalo Connections Trail. Here are the Do's and Don'ts when out on the trail.
Do keep a safe distance at all times—at least 25 yards away from the buffalo.
Do be aware of your surroundings.
Do realize that buffalo are unpredictable, even if they appear calm.
Don't approach the buffalo.
Don't feed the buffalo.
Don't think you can outrun a buffalo. Buffalo can run up to to 35 mph (3x faster than humans).
How to Stay Safe
Seeing buffalo in their natural habitat is one of the greatest experiences nature has to offer. However, some people tend to forget that these are indeed wild animals. At Yellowstone National Park, buffalo have injured more people than any other animal. It's become common to see national headlines of yet another buffalo attacking a tourist who got too close.
Keeping yourself safe on the trail is a top priority. With a few tips (and a little common sense) you'll see that keeping yourself safe is actually quite simple. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe.
Never approach the buffalo. Many people who have been attacked by buffalo simply have gotten too close to them. Even though buffalo appear calm, they can be unpredictable animals. Please stay at least 25 yards away from the buffalo at all times.
Do not try and feed the buffalo. They are in their natural habitat and have everything they need. The Buffalo pasture is not a zoo. When you are out on the trail please remember that we are in their space and we must respect it.
Be extra cautious out on the trail, especially in the months of May and June when cows are ultra-protective of their calves. July and August is when mating season occurs. Testosterone-fueled bulls can also be much more aggressive at this time. It is extremely important to always be aware of your surroundings when out on the trail.
Do not wander off of the trail and leave yourself out in the open. Buffalo can run up to 35 mph, which is three times faster than humans can. In other words, if you're caught out in the open and a buffalo charges you, you're not going to be able to outrun it.
Even if you follow all the safety tips, there is still a chance you could come into close proximity to a buffalo. If that happens, as always, make sure to keep your distance. Again, 25 yards is the minimum. If a buffalo stops what it's doing and looks up at you, that is a clear sign that you have gotten too close. Don't make any sudden movements, just back away slowly.
Enclosures
The walking trail will also have many safety enclosures along the path: benches, sculptures, composting toilets, and other structures as the trail develops. These things can be used to shield yourself from any potential threats. If you sense you might be in danger, get near or into these structures and wait for the buffalo to pass you by.
If you adhere to these simple principles, your experience out on the trail will be a safe, and therefore, enjoyable one.
Trail Mission
In 2017, the Fort Peck Tribes passed a resolution authorizing the construction of a walking trail that goes through the Fort Peck Buffalo Ranch. The Trail was built to encourage both family and community connections to the buffalo.
The Trail was designed to meet a variety of needs:
to increase opportunities to visit the buffalo
to encourage outdoor recreation
to strengthens cultural traditions
to deepen an appreciation for the land, medicinal plants, grasses and wildlife for all visitors to the trail.
As We Look to the Future
The Buffalo Connections Trail is a long term project that will continue to develop into the future. It will take many years to complete all of the infrastructure and the work will span many generations. Each new improvement will not only enhance the experience for the visitor, but will hopefully also provide a sense of safety that will make your time out on the trail a memorable one.