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California Woman Hoping For Bison Closeup Got Gored In Return At Yellowstone

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Published Date

June 29, 2020
Yellowstone are beautiful to observe, but dangerous if you get too close, as a California woman painfully discovered/NPS file

Yellowstone bison are beautiful to observe, but dangerous if you get too close, as a California woman painfully discovered/NPS file

A 72-year-old California woman who wanted a closeup of a bison got much too close and was gored in return, Yellowstone National Park staff announced Monday.

The unidentified woman was staying at the Bridge Bay Campground in the center of the park and approached within 10 feet of the bison to take its picture last Thursday evening and was gored. Rangers provided her with immediate medical care before she was flown via helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, a park release said.

“The series of events that led to the goring suggest the bison was threatened by being repeatedly approached to within 10 feet,” said Yellowstone’s Senior Bison Biologist Chris Geremia. “Bison are wild animals that respond to threats by displaying aggressive behaviors, like pawing the ground, snorting, bobbing their head, bellowing, and raising their tail. If that doesn’t make the threat (in this instance it was a person) move away, a threatened bison may charge. To be safe around bison, stay at least 25 yards away, move away if they approach, and run away or find cover if they charge.”

Rangers were continuing to investigate the incident Monday and had no additional information to share.

This was the second incident in the park this year in which a visitor got too close to a bison. On May 20 another woman was knocked to the ground, but didn't sustain any serious injuries.

Park regulations require visitors to keep their distance from wildlife. Guidelines call for visitors to stay 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.

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Comments

Submitted by Susan Petronella on June 29, 2020 - 6:59pm.

I don't think people should be allowed anywhere near wildlife


Submitted by Melissa on June 29, 2020 - 7:47pm.

I agree completely - these animals are doing whats instinctive, to protect themselves or offspring from what they perceive is a threat. WE as humans know better, im sure its posted all over the park, and man, im sick of selfish people! Humans need to stay further away from wildlife and stop being so self-involved. It really ISNT all about them! 


Submitted by Kavalier Kurmudgeon on June 29, 2020 - 7:52pm.

No one care.


Submitted by Denise N on June 29, 2020 - 7:53pm.

People should use the common sense God gave them too.


Submitted by DeLynn Morgan on June 29, 2020 - 8:26pm.

Some people are just idiotic. They have no comprehension what a wild animal is capable of doing.

 

 


Submitted by Gale Rivers on June 29, 2020 - 8:46pm.

It weighs a ton, can run 40 miles an hour and has horns. Buy a telephoto lens , you dumbass.

 


Submitted by Allen Ahner on June 29, 2020 - 9:51pm.

Can't fix stupid. It has been told time and again, everyone entering, evryone leaving. Stay away!


Submitted by Me on June 29, 2020 - 9:56pm.

Stupid people your not at a Disney theme park or a petting zoo

 


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