Greenville, South Carolina – An 83-year-old woman visiting Yellowstone National Park suffered serious injuries after being gored by a wild bison, officials reported Monday. The incident occurred near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake when the bison approached the woman, ultimately lifting her about a foot off the ground with its horns, according to the National Park Service.
Park emergency responders promptly transported the woman to Lake Medical Clinic, and she was later airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Details regarding the extent of her injuries were not disclosed by officials.
The National Park Service emphasized the need for visitors to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially larger animals like bison, elk, and bears, to prevent such incidents. It advised individuals to stay at least 25 yards away from large animals and 100 yards from bears and wolves as a safety measure.
Bison, in particular, are known to be unpredictable and have injured more people in the park than any other animal. Despite their generally non-aggressive nature, they will defend their territory if they feel threatened, as highlighted by the agency.
The woman’s encounter with the bison serves as a reminder of the risks associated with wildlife interactions in national parks and the importance of respecting safety regulations and guidelines. As visitors continue to explore Yellowstone and other natural landscapes, maintaining a safe distance and exercising caution around wildlife remains crucial to ensure both human safety and animal well-being.