Pennsylvania Woman Latest to Be Wounded By Bison in Yellowstone
A 71-year-old woman from Pennsylvania is the second visitor in three days gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.
On Monday, June 27, a 34-year-old man from Colorado was injured following an encounter with a bull bison near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful. The male sustained an injury to his arm and was transported by ambulance to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
On Wednesday, July 29, A 71-year-old woman from West Chester, Pennsylvania was gored by a bull bison near Storm Point at Yellowstone Lake.
According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park, the woman and her daughter were returning to their vehicle at the trailhead when the pair encountered a bull bison. The bison charged the woman, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result. The woman was taken by ambulance to West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming to be treated for her injuries.
The incident is currently under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
So far in 2022, three visitors have been injured by bison in YNP. A woman was transported to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after being gored by a bison on May 30.
Here are a few helpful tips to view wildlife safely at Yellowstone National Park.
- Wild animals are wild and can be dangerous if you get too close.
- It's very important to give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. Your best bet is to turn around and head in the opposite direction.
- Stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes - and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
- 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.
- Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
To learn more about park safety, click here.