Yellowstone National Park is reporting that a 25-year-old tourist from Ohio was killed by a bison on Monday, May 30th.
The woman got within 10 feet of the bison on a boardwalk section at Black Sand Basin. Yellowstone requires guests to keep more than 25 yard of space between them and bison within the park.
“As the bison walked near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin (just north of Old Faithful), the female, on the boardwalk, approached it. Consequently, the bison gored the woman and tossed her 10 feet into the air.”
The woman suffered puncture wounds and other injuries from being flung into the air. She was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where it is expected that she died from her injuries.
Yellowstone shared some important tips for preventing tragedies like this from occurring. Please read them in their entirety if you plan to visit Yellowstone.
“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 (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.”
Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased.
Featured Image Credit: Mike Beaumont on Unsplash