An 83-year-old woman was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park and seriously injured over the weekend, which should prompt park goers to make sure the exercise caution around the largest land mammal in North America.
The woman, who was visiting from Greenville, S.C., was near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake when the bison encounter occurred Saturday. According to park officials, the bison was "defending its space" when it came within a few feet of the woman and "lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns."
Park emergency responders transported the woman to the Lake Medical Clinic, and from there she was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
The woman sustained "serious injuries," but park officials did not provide any other information on her condition Monday.
The incident remains under investigation.
Bison injure more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, according to the park. Although they are not generally aggressive, they will defend their space when they feel threatened.
Park officials are reminding visitors that "wild animals can be aggressive if people don't respect their space." Even when wild animals approach campsites, trails or other developed areas, it is people's responsibility to move away.
"It is your responsibility to 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," park officials said. "If need be, move or turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity."
Recent Bison Attacks At Yellowstone
While it's highly unlikely you'll ever be attacked by a bison, three people have been gored by the animals in the last two months alone, according to Inside Hook.
A bison gored and significantly injured an Arizona woman in the park in 2023. Bison injured two people in the park in 2022, as reported by Time Magazine.
How To Avoid A Bison Attack
Bison are as quick as horses and are able to reach speeds of 35 miles per hour.
The Manual recommends putting at least 25 yards between yourself and any bison.
Bison injure more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, according to the park.
"It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals-bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes-and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves," warned officials.
Can You Tell If A Bison Is Angry By Its Tail?
When a bison's tail hangs down and switches naturally, the bison is usually calm. If its tail is standing straight up, it's a warning sign to keep your distance, according to XL Country.
One of the most common scenarios involves people getting too close to a bison, usually for a selfie or Instagram photo, said the publication.
--with reporting by TMX
