Yellowstone National Park has not released any information about the man who was seriously injured Friday, July 10th after getting launched by a bison but a video has emerged of the incident.
The attack happened the Bridge Bay Campground located near Yellowstone Lake. At first the bison charged a group of kids. The children ran away and avoided contact. The bison was clearly agitated after the initial incident and began to wallow in a dirt patch kicking up a cloud of dust. After a quick wallow it appeared to calm down.
That’s when a grandfather walking with his grandson south of the Fishing Bridge came into frame unaware of what had just previously unfolded. At the same time a pickup truck pulled up which seems to have reignited the bison’s agitated state. The bison got its feet and charged the truck which pulled away. The bison then zeroed in on grandfather and grandson.
Thankfully the grandson escaped unharmed but the grandfather was not so lucky.
A tourist was seriously injured after a bison tossed them about 8 feet into the air in Yellowstone National Park
by u/eternviking in whoathatsinteresting
After tossing the elderly man in the air, the bison stood over him shaking its massive head. Bystanders began yelling at the bison and running at it to divert its attention from the victim. The bison then ran off.
A 911 call was placed and emergency medical personnel quickly arrived on scene. The victim did not show any signs of external injury but was in rough shape after the violent encounter. Reports are the victim is currently recovering from serious injuries.
Yellowstone Bison Danger
Remember folks, bison may appear docile but they are responsible for more injuries to Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. Yellowstone policy requires all visitors to maintain at least 25 yards distance away from bison at all time. By all accounts this grandfather and grandson were a respectful distance away from the bison prior to the attack but bison are incredibly fast (capable of running at 35 mph) and obviously sometimes the 25 yard recommended distance is not enough.
If you are planning on visiting Yellowstone National Park please remember to abide by park wildlife safety policies. The safety of the animals, as well as visitor safety, depends on visitors following the simple commonsense rules laid out by Yellowstone. Learn more staying safe around bison at Yellowstone National Park below.
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.
