A 47 year-old female from Phoenix, Arizona was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone in the morning hours of July 17.
The female, along with another individual, were walking in a field in front of the Lake Lodge when they came across two bison. According to a press release from the Office of the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, once the visitors saw the bison, they turned and walked away. It was then when one of the bison charged and gored the woman.
The woman sustained significant injuries to her abdomen and chest. She was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Her current condition is unknown.
It is also unknown how close the individuals were to the bison when it charged. This incident is currently under investigation.
This is a harsh reminder that the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and unpredictable. When approached, animals in the park can become dangerous. Whether an animal is near campsite, boardwalk, parking lot or any developed area in the park, please give it space.
The National Park Service recommends that visitors stay more than 25 yards away from large animals such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards away from predatory animals such as wolves and bears.
In the event one crosses paths with an animal in the park, it is recommended to turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.
Bison can become extremely agitated during mating season, also known as the rut, which begins in mid-July and runs through mid-August. Please use extra caution and give them additional space during this time.
Despite their large build, bison can run three times faster than humans. If visiting Yellowstone soon, please read more about park safety, including how to behave around wildlife.
This is the first reported incident in Yellowstone National Park of 2023, despite the amount of park visitors caught on camera disregarding park recommendations.
The last reported incident occurred on June 28, 2022.
