Posted in Wyoming April 20, 2020 by Kim Magaraci

Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Has A Surprisingly Dark And Deadly History

When it comes to Wyoming history, most people think of cowboys, pioneers, and plenty of outlaws. One part of the state’s past that often gets overlooked is the eerie history of danger and death in Yellowstone National Park.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

Yellowstone National Park draws millions of visitors to Wyoming every year, but many people don't realize our largest tourist attraction can be incredibly dangerous.

Over the years, there have been hundreds of deaths in Yellowstone caused by the rugged landscape, wildlife, and - frequently - bad decisions made my tourists.

Several tourists - and even a few rangers - have perished due to the terrifying and boiling thermal features.

The park's boiling springs have claimed more than just the lives of those who have fallen or jumped in. The water is so hot and so acidic that their bodies are never recovered, lost to the Earth forever.

Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bears, and at least 8 people have been killed by bears hiking or camping in the park.

Most of the danger exists in the backcountry, but if you hike in groups and carry bear spray, chances are you'll be fine.

While bears are the most obvious threat, many people are gored by bison when they don't take these massive creatures seriously. Keep your distance!

Sometimes, the strangest things are responsible for death in Yellowstone. One year, a ranger mistakenly ate the roots of a poison hemlock plant and perished soon after

Winter in Yellowstone comes with its own threats. Frostbite and hypothermia are common, and the danger of being trapped in an avalanche is all too rea.

Even those who perish in the park can leave a piece of themselves behind - the Old Faithful Inn is haunted by those who once loved this remarkable wilderness.

Of course... the dangers of Yellowstone also exist outside of the park. After all, we're all just waiting for the caldera to blow...

Wyoming can be a weird and dangerous state, and while we love living here, it’s always interesting to read about the odd things that have happened in our history. Take a look at This Is The Single Craziest Thing You Never Knew Happened In Wyoming for a story that’s almost too strange to be true.

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA