If you prefer animals over people, like I do, then you may agree that a trip to a National Park isn’t complete without a few wildlife sightings. Birds and bugs are usually easy to spot, but each park has several iconic species it’s typically known for. Katmai National Park in Alaska, for example, is famous for its brown bear population, but Yellowstone National Park seems to have it all.
Black bears, gray wolves, and even moose call Yellowstone home, but the star of this expansive park is the American Bison. These massive, majestic animals can be spotted roaming, grazing, and occasionally hunting prey, but on October 9, one lucky traveler caught a bison in a much sillier moment.
Journalist Molly was driving through Yellowstone with her partner when they noticed a bison using a sign as a scratching post. It was such a relatable situation that they couldn’t help but laugh out loud!
OMG, that scratch must feel so good! The huge bison is throwing his whole body into scratching that itch, and let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. If anything, that’s what makes this mundane sighting oh-so-funny!
“Do you think if one of these guys were itchy, they’d let me help, or would I be in danger?” a commenter named Luck asked.
I really hope you’re kidding! Bison usually mind their own business, but they can also be extremely territorial and very fast. If you see one in person, always maintain a safe distance between you and the animal.
If you spot one scratching itself with a tree or a signpost, however, enjoy the show! Several others reported seeing something similar during their own trips, which means these massive animals know how to be resourceful.
Molly, AKA @mollywanderstheworld, had no idea that she had a viral video on her hands when she stopped to relate to the hilarious Yellowstone bison. Nor could she have guessed that commenters would be arguing about trees, of all things!
Bison in the Badlands
It makes sense that bison would scratch themselves on signs when there isn’t much else around to use as scratching posts. When an itch strikes, it can’t wait! Although there are some rocky areas in the Badlands, the kind of dry terrain that makes up much of the prairies, there aren’t many trees.
Don’t worry, this is a natural phenomenon, not an effect of human interference or deforestation. Bison have been adapting to this environment for centuries, but giving them a few extra places to scratch those hard-to-reach places never hurts.
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This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.