Arizona Woman Gored by Bison at Yellowstone National Park
An Arizona woman visiting Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison as she was walking away from the animal, park officials said Monday. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, is believed to be the first such incident this year.
The 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, whose name has not been released by the National Park Service, and the person she was with were walking in a field in front of the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone when they encountered two bison. Despite turning to walk away from the animals, one of the bison charged at the woman and gored her.
“The woman sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen,” the Park Service said in a statement.
The visitor was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and her condition is currently unknown. The incident is under investigation, and the Park Service has not released any additional information.
It is unclear how close the woman was to the bison before the attack. Yellowstone National Park requires visitors to stay more than 25 yards away from bison.
“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached,” park officials warned.
This is the first incident of its kind at Yellowstone in 2023, following several similar events that made headlines last year. In May 2022, an Ohio woman was gored by a bison and thrown 10 feet into the air after getting too close to the animal. A month later, a Colorado man was gored by a bison at Old Faithful, and the following day, a Pennsylvania woman was gored near Storm Point at Yellowstone Lake.
Bison, the largest mammals in North America, have injured more people at Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run up to 40 mph, three times faster than humans. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since the prehistoric age.
Yellowstone officials have emphasized the importance of giving animals space and staying at least 25 yards away from large animals such as bison, elk, and moose. During the mating season, which runs from mid-July to mid-August, bison can become more agitated, and visitors are advised to exercise extra caution and give them additional space.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance when visiting national parks.
What measures does the Park Service recommend to ensure the safety of visitors when encountering bison and other large animals in Yellowstone National Park
N,” park officials said. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical ‚treatment. Her condition is currently unknown.
Yellowstone National Park reminds visitors to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially large animals such as bison. The Park Service recommends staying at least 25 yards away from bison and other large animals, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
“Bison are wild animals and can be unpredictable,” warned Yellowstone Spokesperson Linda Veress. “They may appear docile, but they are extremely strong and fast. It is important to give them their space and respect their boundaries.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and following park regulations. Visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from all animals, and to exercise caution when encountering wildlife in natural habitats.
Yellowstone National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears. It is essential to remember that these animals are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. By keeping a safe distance, visitors can enjoy the majestic beauty of the park while keeping themselves and the wildlife out of harm’s way.
Officials at Yellowstone National Park are currently investigating the incident and remind ‚visitors of the importance of adhering to park regulations for the safety of everyone.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and obeying park regulations. Our thoughts are with the victim, as we hope for a swift recovery. Let’s ensure we enjoy national parks responsibly and coexist harmoniously with the magnificent animals that call them home.