A 25-year-old female from Grove City, Ohio was gored after approaching a bison at Yellowstone National Park over Memorial Day weekend.
According to park rangers, the unidentified woman on Monday, May 30, 2022, was visiting Black Sand Basin (just north of Old Faithful). As the bison walked near a boardwalk, the female approached the animal. Consequently, the bison gored the woman and tossed her 10 feet into the air.
A woman was gored by a bison near Black Sand Basin over Memorial Day weekend. NPS / Jacob W. Frank photo
The woman sustained a puncture wound and other injuries, rangers said. Two other individuals were also within 25 yards of the same bison but apparently were not injured.
Park emergency medical providers responded to the incident immediately and transported her via ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
There was no word on her condition. The incident remains under investigation.
This is the first reported incident in 2022 of a visitor threatening a bison (getting too close to the animal, rangers said) and the bison responding to the threat by goring the individual.
A ranger told Mike Harris Travel Guides that regulations require visitors to remain more than 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached, rangers said.
When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, rangers said to give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans, rangers said.
This year marks 150 Years of Yellowstone. Protect the park today and for future generations. Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife.
