Don't Pet the Fluffy Cows by Molly McKown

Source #1

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:21:41 UTC

This helps me understand more of the context in what happened that day I was there. I can use this when talking about my own experience of this day and seeing the rangers, ambulances, and police showing up to the scene. One question that this made me think about is why not my family? We were there just a few moments prior. This is my first source but these will all connect to other cases.

Source #2

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:25:47 UTC

This helps me understand how these large animals function and why they are here. I can use this when discussing why these are WILD animals and not zoo animals. I did want to know why people do not understand why these are WILD animals. This will be a great source and giving some context into the sheer wildness of these animals.

Story About a Stupid Visitor

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:27:16 UTC

Once I was talking to a Yellowstone National Park Ranger who spoke about when once a visitor asked in all seriousness "So, when do you guys lock up the animals for the night?"

Source #3

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:32:26 UTC

Wonderful data for my research! This helps me analyze all the factors that go into bison maulings. I can use this when talking about how close is too close and why the injuries are bad. I want to know more as to why bison get triggered by proximity. This is a wonderful source that can cross over into support for my data lead claims.

Extra Incidences

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:38:02 UTC

This is an extra piece I want to throw in because of how disturbing wildlife can cost its own life. This helps me understand why some people touch bison and wildlife. I can use this when trying to look into the mind of TOURONS aka Tourist Morons. One question I have is why bison herds do not take back the touched animals? This is a great source that will help give understanding to the others.

SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-01 19:42:47 UTC

It is Bison not Buffalo! I have known this for as long as I can remember and I feel the NEED to educate! This will help me set the record straight at the beginning of my essay. I want to use a little bit of humor while also hashing out one of my biggest pet peeves. This can draw the question of what other animals are we saying wrong I.e. Wapiti as Elk. This source will be the gateway into all of my others and the beginning of the essay.

Interview Questions

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-02 17:20:40 UTC

~What are the most common reasons visitors end up getting too close to bison, despite the park’s safety rules?

~Have you noticed any trends in recent years such as social media or increased tourism—that contribute to bison-related incidents?

~What kinds of safety education or warnings are provided to visitors, and which do you think are the most effective?

~When an incident like a bison mauling occurs, what actions does the park take immediately afterward, both for the visitor and the animal?

~If you could implement one new policy or tool to reduce bison encounters, what would it be and why?

Field Research

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-02 18:26:06 UTC

Field Research

Research Topic

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-02 18:27:36 UTC

There has been an issue with people in National Parks petting bison and getting all too close. There needs to be a change! In recent years, there have been an uptick in bison maulings in Yellowstone National Park. I want to dive deep into why this idea of petting and interacting with wildlife is not only dangerous to humans but also why it is so incredibly dangerous for animals.

Interviews

mkmckown188 — 2025-05-02 18:41:42 UTC

I have emailed 3 different people related to Yellowstone National Park. I sent the emails on 5/1 as I was sick the whole week. I am waiting for responses but if an interviewee does not respond, I have a back up plan. I will go ahead this weekend and get said interview to be ahead of the game. It might not be the one I want but it will be what I'll get.