Has it really been almost two years since this shocking scene unfolded at Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills?

Luckily neither the nitwit tourist nor the bison was seriously hurt in this August 2020 incident, although the pants were definitely a goner.

But now with a major influx of summer visitors expected after COVID-19 put a damper on tourism in the hills last year, the National Park Service is reminding everyone about a different kind of 'social distancing' - staying a safe distance away from wildlife.

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This is the NPS' message to the more than four million followers they have on Instagram:

It’s getting to be that season again…

National parks offer a unique experience for watching wildlife. But with that privilege comes great responsibility. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of the animals, too. Simply put, leave animals alone—no touching, no feeding, no harassing. Just remember to keep your distance, and enjoy your experience watching wildlife.

This message is not for those followers who know what’s up and would never dream of getting too close to wildlife on purpose. Thanks for leading by example! Think of this as a message to share with others you know heading out to a park. “Vacation brain” sometimes takes over, and people may let their guard down, or get taken in by bear’s ears and other cuddly thoughts, only to have a less than pleasant experience in nature. It happens. Every year.

It's a bit sad that reminders like this need to be issued, but if it saves another moron from becoming an overnight video sensation then I guess it's worth it.

Be careful out there...

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

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