A bison that charged two Yellowstone National Park visitors was provoked. Scream capture from CNN video.
The other day two hikers in the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park were charged by a bison, and one was head-butted and flipped into the air. Initially, the park's report sounded as if the bison attacked unprovoked. But this video shows differently.
This is how the park's release explained the incident:
At about 8:30 p.m. on July 19, a 49-year-old woman and a 61-year-old male family member were exiting the Biscuit Basin thermal area to rejoin their family group in the parking lot, when a bison appeared in some nearby brush and charged them. The woman was struck and flipped in the air by the bison.
She sustained injuries as a result of the bison’s impact and subsequent fall to the ground. As her male family member attempted to escape the bison’s charge, he tripped and fell, sustaining injuries to his shoulder, hand, and foot. He was not injured by the bison.
However, a reporter for CNN tracked down the woman who filmed the "attack," and filed the following report. In the video it's easy to see that the two approached way too close to the bison, which was minding it's own business. And, if you look closely enough at the video, it appears someone threw a stick at the bison and hit it in the flanks.
With this information in hand, it'll be curious to learn whether park officials decide to cite the two, and whether anyone can finger who threw the stick at the bison. Park regulations require you to stay at least 25 yards -- 75 feet -- from bison and elk, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves. And, the park's website notes, "Those who fail to abide by these requirements not only put themselves in danger, they may also be subject to a citation and fine."
Fortunately for the couple, they weren't killed or even seriously injured.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
So it seems they threw a stick at it to get it to look at the camera for a "better shot". Well, they certainly got their closeup! Dumb decision, but I'm glad they are okay.
Well this proves that it is the duty of some people's lives to serve as the warning for others. Maybe it won't happen again, but... don't get so close, idiots!
You can't piss these guys off! They are bigger than us by several pounds!
Don't get me started about some of the visitors at Yellowstone. How many times have I seen people put a finger into hot water or get off the boardwalk when it's clearly marked that such behavior is dangerous? This just fits the pattern. Lovely park, a precious jewel of wilderness, a joy and privilege to visit, etc., etc. And evidently a magnet for tourists with less sense than a grapefruit.
Seriously! If you want to see stupidity in action, go to any national park where there is a natural danger and tourists. People don't think!
i once saw a group of about 25 to 30 people completely encicrle a bull moose to take pictures some folks were only 20 feet away?? luckily a ranger showed up and stopped that party. the moose was NOT happy
We were in Biscuit Basin about noon on this same day and saw no Buffalo. However, around 7pm at night we were at the Mud Volcano Area when a herd of approximately 30-35 buffalo with three calves cut off our return to the parking lot from the loop trail. They were on both sides of the walkway and some were crossing over the walk way. We had to be patient for about 15 minutes to allow them to move along. When we passed the nearest ones quickly they gave us some pretty serious looks and who wouldn't with three newborns along. We gave them plenty of space and managed to co-exist very peacefully.
Stupid people trips. They should be charged.
I'd love to have Letterman do a "10 Stupid People Tricks in Yellowstone NP." Should be really good because he'd have a huge amount of material to choose from.
The world needs more bison...they'd be an effective method for controlling the proliferation of morons as seen in the video above.
[edited]
First thing to remember about large herbivores like bison, elk and cattle is they gain dominance in the herd by intimidation and brute force. They can hit each other with enough force to lift the other off the ground and send it sprawling. Not only do the males play this game, but so do the females. For the cows it is for first access to new grazing which equates to greater survivability for her and her offspring. Anyways, they weigh a 1000 to 2000 lbs. You weight how much? Yep, you are a lightweight. When they decide to shove you around, you will go flying.
Right on! I couldn't have said it any better than that!
I wonder why you'd want to be on tv after something like this happened.
The film doesn't lie; someone definitely threw something that hit the bison and caused it to react violently. No sympathy for [this couple]. I hope they're both charged (and not only by the bison)!
Kurt,
And there has to be some regulation against throwing objects at the animals. Or maybe not?
Yes, you are specifically prohibited from "harassing" the animals. If they react to you being there.... you have harassed them. Fine these people simply for being too close.
[Edited] Who is their right mind would try to get that close to a wild animal AND THEN throw a stick at it to get it's attention? Guess they got what they asked for.
The jerk who went too close to a bison to get a better picture should be banned from the National Parks.
Hey, dummy! Get a camera with a longer zoom. These days there are non-SLR's that have lenses that zoom out to more than 500 mm (i.e., more than 10 power binocular/telescope) and take very good pictures.
I'm glad you got to the bottom of the story, Kurt. I was initially suspicious of the whole idea that a bison would have attacked anyone unprovoked. I spent a day in Yellowstone last year, encountered bison on two separate occasions and if you respect them, they respect you. One of the first things the rangers tell you once you arrive and check-in to a campsite is they hand you a yellow handbill telling you that bison are bigger and faster than you--don't mess with them. Perhaps this couple didn't get the message.
People who go too close to bison, and other potentially dangerous animals, to get a better picture should be banned from the National Parks in perpetuity.
There are very good non-DSLRs which have lenses that zoom out to the equivalent of more than 500 mm (that is, the the equivalent of more than 10 power for a binocular/telescope lens).
Kind of gives you new respect for the Native Americans who used to hunt these things with primative weapons, doesn't it?
Can you say "Darwin Awards"???
Once upon a long time ago, I was out in Lamar on my day off when a little yellow VW beetle buzzed past me while a dozen or so buffs were crossing the road. Instead of stopping and patiently waiting for them to move off, the driver decided to try honking his wimpy little VW tootengefunkenthingen.
Didn't impress the cow that was right in front of him, but the bull that was beside him took offense and charged. Hit the side of the bug with battering ram force and caved in the driver side door. Then he reached down, hooked a horn under the little thing and flipped it neatly over onto its top. Then, as the little yellow carcass wobbled back and forth on its rounded top and the dazed young man behind the wheel tried to untangle himself, the old bull stalked away with the rest of the herd.
And -- this is absolutely true! -- he could clearly be heard muttering, "I dunno what that thing was, but I sure as Hell killed it!"
I believe the "absolutely true!" part, but is there really such thing as a tootengefunkenthingen?
What part of "WILD ANIMAL" do these people not understand. They were VERY lucky to not have been seriously injured or killed. What kind of example are they setting for our children?
You can clearly see the stick come flying at the peaceful bison in the video (at time 0:27). They are harassing the bison, and get away with their stupidity with less damage than they deserve.
"It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within ANY distance that disturbs or displaces the animal."
Copied from Yellowstone National Park's website. They are clearly harassing the bison by approaching and throwing a stick (see video at 0:27) - that's an illegal activity. Charge them!
Wildlife are fascinating, and fun to watch and film, but they are not "Bambi". They have to fight to survive the elements and predators. They also have to fight their own kind for resources and mates. This applies equally for herbivors and predators. They will attack if they feel threatened. Do not get too close! They are wild animals, not friendly nature pals!
If you are traveling on foot in an area with large wild animals make some noise, so they know you are there, and can move off a safe distance. Try humming, or wear bells. Don't worry, you will still see some wild life. I once had a half grown skunk come out of the woods to look for food on my lawn just minutes after it was mowed. It was late morning, and I was outside with two other people, and we were talking, but the skunk came out anyway. We enjoyed watching it from our safe distance. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera at the time. Once, some years ago, while walking my dog very early one misty morning, we spotted a deer before it could see us. There was a big tree and a big pile of leaves blocking the deer's view of us, so it didn't see us, but it may have heard us. For some reason the dog didn't bark. I managed to restrain him while we watched as the deer slowly moved off. This happened in a residential neighborhood, but even in such places there is wild life to contend with.
Please practice safety when out in wild, and even not so wild places. Remember the camera, and keep it charged. Have fun out there!--Savona, NY
If you can't respect nature and wild animals don't go to places like Yellowstone-- you'll ruin it for the rest of us.
When I look at the video I can see something like a piece of wood hit the Bison on the back (at the 27 second) when he start to jump and then charge.
We call people who do this "tourons," which is a combination of tourist and moron. People who visit parks do things they would never do at home, like stop in the middle of the road and jump out to take pictures. At least this isn't like feeding bears, where we end of with dead bears because of visitors disobeying park rules.
They should make people take IQ tests to gain access to a National Park.
This would reduce over crowding by about 75% and protect the wild life.
This is the second such incident with a bison this summer season. People, unfortunately, think Yellowstone is like Disneyland. They don't respect nature and the wild critters. This is what happens when you test the limits of wildlife. A bison does not understand that you just want a great photo for your family album. They don't understand why you are pushing in on them or why you are even there where they have roamed and grazed freely season after season.The first incident was photographed. A photo showed a woman between the horns of the bison, who head butted her as she and at least six others were within about three feet of it. Bison do not want to be your close buddy, nor do they want to star in your home video. I've watched many times as people harass the bison trying to get their attention. They yell at them, they whistle at them, they throw things at them. If that fails they just move in on them often in a mob. I've also watched people push their children within two or three feet of bison to get that great vacation photo to put on the family Christmas card. Again, folks, this is not Disneyland. These are not mechanical animals nor are they trained circus animals. They are wild. This is their home. You are visiting them. They are not intruding on your territory, you are on theirs. Do not attempt to approach them. They may look slow, but they can move 35 MPH. Can you? Heed the warning signs and you will be safe. As long as I'm ranting -- stay on the trails and boardwalks while in the geyser basins. The crust is thin and you may fall through into a thermal feature. AT 199 degrees, the water will boil the meat right off your bones and yes people have died that way. Come enjoy the beauty and awesomeness of this special unique place, but don't leave your common sense at home.
It's bad enough that this jerk likely threw the piece of wood at the bison. However - even with that, entering the area was monumentally stupid. This was a geyser basin, and there was a possibility that walking in this area (which has obvious signs of silca precipitates from geothermal springs/geysers) could mean walking over a thin crust over scalding hot water. There are always reports of people going off-trail in thermal areas breaking through the crust and getting scalded.
Local man scalded at Yellowstone National Park
http://www.thecitizennews.com/archive/main/archive-041015/ptc-09.htm
Yellowstone Park is beautiful, but can be dangerous
Two visitors receive thermal burns this month
http://www.pinedaleonline.com/news/2005/08/YellowstoneParkisbea.htm
I'll state the obvious. When I go to a national park, safety is priority one, and proper care around all species of animals is part of that. Amazing. And what is it about Yellowstone visitors? I went to Glacier NP last year and everyone was so well mannered that contributed to my decision to go back next month.
Some people just don't get it! Yellowstone is a wonderful place to see large dangerous animals in the wild, but is NOT a petting zoo! You need to respect them and their space. In June, we witnessed a young grizzly about 5 miles from Mammoth approximately 25 to 30 feet from the side of the road grazing in the new grass. Traffic was slowing in both directions and many people were parking and getting out of their cars. Several people were standing at the edge of the road taking pictures and even had their children with them! They were within 20 feet of a young GRIZZLY with no protection! This was probably a yearling, so where was Mama?! We took our picture from the safety of our truck and moved on. Passed two ranger trucks heading in that direction with lights flashing, so thankfully someone reported this dangerous situation.
Yellowstone is the most beautiful and fascinating place I have ever been in my life. There is so much wildlife around, it is wonderful to be one with mother nature there. However, WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL. There is a reason it is called WILD life. They are wild. They live on instinct. One of their instincts is to protect themself and their young. I don't know if young bison were involved, but none the less, if a bison has a stick thrown at it, its gonna get pissed off, wouldn't YOU?! I do not in any way shape or form feel bad for these two idiots who got way too close to the animal. They should be cited and they should be BANNED from our national parks. Instead, they are becoming famous making the national morning show circuit. [Edited]
Are they seriously going to get away with throwing a stick at a protected animal? They make it sound like they were innocent in the video interview! There should be consequences for this type of behavior, beyond what the bison has already inflicted upon their stupidity!
If they make any money on this video- it should go directly to the national parks or wildlife fund! They should not be making a single penny off of this!
Yellowstone and many of our other National Parks are beautiful, wild places. People who do not understand or appreciate WILDLIFE and who do not follow the rules, should be fined accordingly !
I agree with a couple of the above comments, these "tourons" going on tv and making money off this is totally disgusting. Since they have chosen to profit from their illegal actions, they should be banned from our National Parks.
Reminds me of when I was walking alone on the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake and decided to climb the bank and go back to the lodge. There was a small herd of bison. Thanks to the park's warnings about not getting close, I was able to duck back down without getting a stir out of them. Wild animals should always be considered wild. We have the same problem with city folks and black bears in the Smokies. At least no grizzlies here.
They were way too close but that stick or what ever it was came from the animals head either from the ground or the tree he was by.
They broke the rules on distance but the stick wasn't "thrown" by anyone but the animal!
What? None of the trees in the area are tall enough, and that bison is in a clearing where there isn't remotely any tree tall enough for that stick to have fallen from. If you look at it closely, the stick rebounds a few inches up off the bison's back with spin. If it had fallen off its head or back it would have just slid off its side. That stick was thrown, and that's what made the bison react. I do see its tail slapping its side a few times, but if its tail had picked up a stick, I think we would see that in the video.
Bison aren't the only animals in Yellowstone that can react unpredictably. I attended the Old West Cookout at Roosevelt. Our horse-drawn wagon was ready to leave the stall when a horse from the next stall knocked over a log. One of our horses got spooked, started bucking, and refused to leave until our guide got off and calmed it down. She was the carrot. Our driver was the stick. He just yelled at the horse and slapped it with the reins.
My stars, how can people be so stupid. I saw the stick that someone threw at the buffalo. What did they think would happen. The buffalo was provoked in that video, they normally do not attack unless they are provoked in any way shape or form.
There use to be a video at Canyon Village that showed a person being gored by a Buffalo. That should be required viewing at all informaiton centers through out the park.
I have traveled to Yellowstone many times, and every encounter that I had with a buffalo, the buffalo was given a wide berth. One time I was driving north to Mammoth, and a buffalo was on the road, we sat and waited patiently as the buffalo meandered by the car. The animal was not more than two feet away, it was a magnificant sight to behold.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/safetyvideos.htm
I lived in Germany -- and drove the highways and byways -- for several years in the mid-1960s. Back then, most of the Polizei vehicles were green VWs. I can assure you that the police-grade Tootengefunkenthinge installed in those VWs was not wimpy at all. It was the vehicle itself that was the wimp.
We were in the park when this happened. We heard the guy threw a rolled up newspaper at the bison because it wasn't looking at the camera. This prompted us to search the net to see if it was recorded, and sure enough, we found the entire uncut video on Youtube. They should be charged for approaching and harassing wildlife. Thank God this woman wasn't seriously injured or killed. Imagine if the bison had charged another, nonrelated tourist. Let the lawsuits begin? The mainstream media edited the tape to make it appear that they did not approach or provoke the bison. Shame on ABC, and I won't be trusting their news again.
We just returned from nine days in Yellowstone, and I can tell you that unfortunately there were several similar incidents of tourist stupidity, although none that we saw that resulted in injury to the persons involved. But it is amazing how some people totally ignore all the rules regarding closest approach to animals, parking on the roadways, taking pictures from the middle of the roadways, etc. We saw one idiot with his tripod set up on the road to get a picture of a bison crossing the road about 25 feet (not yards!) in front of him. I believe that the park rangers should take much stronger enforcement action and cite these people for violations. It would not only make for a much safer experience, but a much more enjoyable one for the rest of us as well!