The greatest danger in Yellowstone National Park isn’t its iconic bears or bison—it’s the hot springs.
At a Glance
- Yellowstone Park’s most dangerous threat to visitors is hot springs, not bears or bison.
- Since 1872, two people have been killed by bison and eight by bears.
- Hot springs have caused 22 deaths since 1890, making them the deadliest natural feature in the park.
- Recent incidents have highlighted the deadly risks of ignoring park safety protocols.
- An Instagram account, ‘Tourons of Yellowstone,’ documents instances of tourists breaking park rules.
The Unseen Danger of Hot Springs
Yellowstone Park is renowned for its majestic landscapes and thrilling wildlife, but the most lethal threat often goes unnoticed. And we’re about to tell you what it is.
Since 1890, hot springs have claimed 22 lives, starkly surpassing the number of fatalities from bear and bison encounters combined. While the awe-inspiring sight of large mammals draws much attention, the park’s hydrothermal features pose the gravest risk.
Michael Poland, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, noted the severity of this danger in Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of caution around geothermal features. Many of these hot springs reach temperatures exceeding 150°F, causing severe burns upon brief exposure, and some can be hotter than 185°F. Such extreme heat, combined with the thin geothermal crust in many areas, makes these features perilous even to experienced visitors.
Recently, a New Hampshire woman suffered severe burns after falling through a fragile thermal crust near the Old Faithful Geyser. Despite numerous warning signs, she ventured into an off-limits area. This incident underscores the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and respecting the park’s regulations.
Increased tourism, spurred partly by a popular television series starring Kevin Costner, has brought new challenges. More visitors mean more instances of careless behavior. To illustrate this, an Instagram account named ‘Tourons of Yellowstone’ captures tourists breaking park rules, aiming to educate and warn others about the inherent dangers.
Comparing the Threats: Wildlife vs. Hot Springs
While bears and bison often dominate discussions about safety in Yellowstone, data tells a different story. Since 1872, bears have killed eight people, while bison have been responsible for two fatalities. In contrast, hot springs have caused 22 deaths since 1890. The first recorded scalding incident was in 1870, involving explorer Truman Everts. Such statistics reveal the deceptive nature of the park’s thermal features.
Another startling aspect of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity is its sheer scale. The park houses over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mudpots. Many of these thermal features are extremely acidic, adding another layer of danger. This makes strict safety measures and public awareness campaigns vital in ensuring visitor safety.
Increased Attention and Responsibility
Yellowstone’s growing tourism requires more stringent oversight and enforcement of safety protocols. Flashing back to a criminal case involving a Michigan man who ignored trail markers and suffered burns, the repercussions of such actions become clearer. Similarly, a Los Angeles man tragically died after falling into a thermal pool, further demonstrating the park’s peril.
It’s critical for visitors to understand the environment’s true dangers and to respect the guidelines meant to protect them. Improved education around these issues could help prevent future tragedies and allow everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone more safely.
And now you know!
