This news story about a woman being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park is based on a July 17, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
Since the start of the busy season in Yellowstone National Park, there has been a series of inappropriate actions by park visitors. (Remember the man who pulled a bison calf out of the Lamar River, which eventually resulted in the calf’s death?)
From people leaving geyser basin boardwalks to animals getting struck by speeding vehicles and visitors getting much too close to wildlife, visitor behavior has been pretty bad so far this year.
It’s been so poor, in fact, that Yellowstone National Park released an overview of wildlife incidents as early as last June 1, along with tips on how to prevent negative human-wildlife encounters.
On June 17, just two days after a separate bison goring in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the latest—and so far most serious—wildlife incident occurred in the park: the first bison goring in Yellowstone National Park of the year.
It remains, however, unknown if the incident was due to improper visitor behavior, or simply bad luck.
Bison Gores Arizona Woman in Yellowstone National Park
According to the release by the park, “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 the morning of July 17.”
The woman was walking with another person in a field in front of the Lake Lodge when they spotted two bison, the park said. The visitors turned to walk away from the bison, but one of the animals charged and gored the woman.
“The woman sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen and was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center,” Yellowstone Park management said.
At this time, it is unknown how close the two visitors were to the bison when it charged. The incident is still under investigation and the park has no additional information to share. The woman’s condition also remains unknown.
This bison goring was the first such incident of the year in Yellowstone National Park. The last reported bison goring incidents before this recent one were on June 27 and 29 last year.
Bison Safety Tips
Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space.
- Stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes.
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.
Bison in Yellowstone can be particularly dangerous during their mating season, also known as the rut, which is typically from mid-July through mid-August. Additionally, bison cows can be very protective of their newborn calves during the spring calving season, too.
During those times, the park implores visitors to be extra cautious and give the animals even more space.
Remember that bison, even though they may appear relaxed and uncaring, can be grumpy, easily agitated, and can run three times faster than humans.
You can read more about how to stay safe in bison country here.