Tourist season appears to be in full swing as adventure seekers are filling up national parks around the country. And Yellowstone National Park is finding itself in headlines a little more than usual this season, and not for good reason.
On June 25, a 72-year-old park visitor from California attempted to get an up close and personal photo with one of Yellowstone’s 5,000 bison. But, things didn’t go as planning for the woman as the bison charged her and gored her multiple times.
According to a press release from the park, the unidentified woman walked within 10 feet of the bison several times near her campsite at Bay Bridge Campground in Northwest Wyoming. The park regulations state that visitors are to remain at least 25 yards from bison.
“The series of events that led to the goring suggest the bison was threatened by being repeatedly approached to within 10 feet,” said Yellowstone’s senior bison biologist, Chris Geremia. “Bison are wild animals that respond to threats by displaying aggressive behaviors like pawing the ground, snorting, bobbing their head, bellowing, and raising their tail. If that doesn’t make the threat move away, a threatened bison may charge. To be safe around bison, stay at least 25 yards away, move away if they approach, and run away or find cover if they charge.”
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The victim was treated by rangers before being flown to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for additional treatment. Her current condition is unknown.
The attack came almost one year after a 9-year-old was struck by a bison while walking on a trail with her family at Yellowstone. The bull charged the child and tossed her in the air. The child didn’t suffer serious injury, and the frightening moment was captured on camera and shared to social media. See the footage below and may it serve as a reminder for all who plan to visit Yellowstone and other parks where wild animals roam free. Keep your distance!