Bison Gores Man in Yellowstone After Visitors Approach Too Closely

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — On Tuesday, a bison gored a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, after a large group of visitors approached the animal too closely. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. in the Old Faithful area of the park. The man sustained minor injuries and was treated, but park officials withheld his identity and current condition, stating that the event is under investigation.

This incident marks the second goring by a bison in Yellowstone this spring. Earlier in May, a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, also received minor injuries after a bison gored him in the Lake Village area. The issue of bison safety is a recurring theme in Yellowstone, as several goring incidents have occurred in the past year. In 2022, bison injured two people, including an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina who suffered serious injuries.

Bison are responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone than any other wild animal. Despite their seemingly docile appearance, bison can charge at speeds up to 35 mph, which is faster than the men’s world record for the 100-meter dash. These massive creatures can stand as tall as 6 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds, making them North America’s largest land animals. Due to their size and unpredictability, park regulations mandate visitors maintain a safe distance.

It is advised to stay at least 25 yards away from bison and other large herbivores, while a distance of 100 yards is required when encountering wolves and bears. These regulations are in place to protect both the animals and the visitors.