Yellowstone National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, is home to a large population of bison. While these magnificent creatures are a major attraction, they can also be dangerous if not treated with caution. In recent years, there have been several incidents of bison goring visitors, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance and respecting wildlife space.
Recent Bison Goring Incidents in Yellowstone Park
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June 2024 Incident: An 83-year-old woman from South Carolina was seriously injured when a bison gored her near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake. The bison, defending its space, lifted the woman about a foot off the ground with its horns. She was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.
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April 2023 Incident: A 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone. She sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen and was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Safety Precautions for Visitors
To avoid such incidents, park officials emphasize the following safety measures:
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Maintain a Safe Distance: Stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. For bears and wolves, maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters).
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings: If an animal approaches you, move away from it. If necessary, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
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Understand Bison Behavior: Bison are not inherently aggressive but will defend their space when provoked. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
Additional Information
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Bison Population: There are approximately 420,000 bison in commercial herds and an additional 20,500 in conservation herds within the U.S. as of August 2023.
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Mating Season: Bison can become agitated more easily during their mating season, which extends from mid-July to mid-August.
By following these guidelines and respecting the space of wildlife, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Yellowstone National Park.
References
- FOX 10 Phoenix. (2024, June 4). Woman gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D92X39XcrVk
- National Park Service. (2024, April 25). Woman gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/230717.htm
- CBS News. (2024, June 3). Bison gores 83-year-old woman in Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bison-gores-woman-yellowstone-national-park-2024/
- National Park Service. (2024, June 3). Woman gored by bison June 1 in Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/240603.htm
- ABC News. (2024, June 3). 83-year-old woman gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/83-year-woman-injured-after-gored-bison-yellowstone/story?id=110797209