Elderly Woman Severely Injured After Bison Attack in Yellowstone National Park

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Bison and danger sign. Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
bison and danger sign in yellowstone national park
Bison and danger sign. Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

An 83-year-old woman from Greenville, South Carolina, sustained serious injuries on June 1 after being gored by a bison near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park.

According to park officials, the bison charged the woman when she came within a few feet of the animal, lifting her about a foot off the ground with its horns.

Park emergency responders transported the woman to the Lake Medical Clinic, where she was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Her current condition remains undisclosed as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Yellowstone officials have reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, especially bison, which have injured more visitors (five a year, on average) than any other animal in the park. Visitors are advised to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves.

“Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans,” said a park spokesperson. “It is crucial for visitors to respect these animals’ space and follow safety regulations to avoid such incidents.”

The park has also urged visitors to take the Yellowstone Pledge, a commitment to protect the park’s natural resources and wildlife for future generations.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spanning an area of 3,472 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a vast array of hydrothermal features like geysers and hot springs, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The park boasts diverse landscapes, from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River to alpine lakes and dense forests, teeming with wildlife such as bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.

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