A California woman has been gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park/Kurt Repanshek file
A California woman was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park, just the latest incident of park visitors getting too close to wildlife in the park.
Park staff said Kim Hancock, 59, of Santa Rosa, was gored near Fountain Paint Pot in the park's Lower Geyser Basin on Wednesday morning.
"Hancock and a crowd of people approached within ten yards of the bison while walking along a boardwalk. At one point, people were closer than 15 feet from the bison," the park release said. "When it crossed the boardwalk, the bison became agitated and charged the crowd, goring Hancock. The bison immediately left the area."
Ms. Hancock was initially treated at the scene for a hip injury, and then taken by ambulance to the Big Sky Medical Center in Big Sky, Montana, in good condition.
Earlier this week two women were attacked by cow elk that felt their calves were being threated.
"Animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. Give animals space when they’re near trails, boardwalks, parking lots, or in developed areas," park staff say. "Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. If you can’t maintain these distances, turn around and find an alternate route. Read more about safety in the park."
On May 1, a 72-year-old Idaho woman was butted in the thigh, pushed, and tossed off a trail by a bison in the Old Faithful area.
There now have been two visitors gored by bison in the park this year. There was one incident in 2017 and five in 2015.
Comments
Sure.... Charge the stupid people a fine to pay for the extra "ranger presence." There is already so many signs, warnings and information upon entering the park; If people are going to be stupid, let them pay....
Common sense has been uncommon for quite a while.
The way I've seen too many act, not just in the Nartional Parks, I believe we need more herd thinning. Too many times I've seen peoples so oblivious to their surroundings and their actions that I wonder how they've lived as long as they have. I'm not saying they've lived long. I just wonder how they've managed to stay alive so far.
Tell that to your congressperson
It's not a petting zoo!
This is impossible. Yellowstone is a huge park. Anyone with any common sense understands this but alot of people lack this sadly.
I totally agree.
I am in the Park currently, and have seen so much foolishness. I agree with your comments. People are responsible for their actions. Rules are there for a reason.