Woman Gored By Bison in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is reporting that a 72-year-old woman from California was gored by a bison at the Bridge Bay Campground. The incident occurred on June 25th, according to a press release, after the woman approached within 10 feet of the bison several times to take its picture.

Rangers provided immediate medial care to the woman who sustained multiple goring wounds. She was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

“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 (in this instance it was a person) 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.”

Once more, Yellowstone National Park reminds visitors that Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are Wild. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.