Yellowstone National Park — A 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Friaday, June 26th at approximately 9:15am. The incident happened at a popular hydrothermal area near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge. The child sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital by emergency medical personnel. The incident remains under investigation.
Following the attack, Yellowstone issued the following statement about respecting wild animals space and the danger of approaching bison:
“Wildlife in Yellowstone are wild and can be dangerous. Wild animals can be aggressive when people do not respect their space. Visitors are responsible for staying at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars.
If wildlife approach you, move away to maintain the required distance. Never approach, touch, feed or crowd wildlife, even if an animal appears calm. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans and will defend their space when threatened. The safety of visitors and wildlife depends on everyone using good judgment and following park regulations.” -Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Bison Safety Guidelines:
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
- Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
- Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
- Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.
