Bison and visitors using the boardwalk at Fountain Paintpots (this photo is not of the specific incident described below). Photo: NPS / Jim Peaco
A man visiting Yellowstone National Park this week from Colorado was gored by a bison at Old Faithful. It’s the second bison attack in less than a month.
The 34-year-old, who was from Colorado Springs, was walking on a boardwalk by Giant Geyser on June 27 when the animal charged him. He sustained an injury to his arm and was taken to Eastern Idaho Medical Center for treatment. He is expected to recover.
“Family members did not leave the area, and the bull bison continued to charge and gored the male,” the Park Service said.
Although it’s not clear exactly how close the man, whose name has not been released, was to the bison, the park said he was “too close to the animal.” The park requires visitors stay 25 yards from bison.
“This incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share,” the Park Service said.
On May 30, a woman from Grove City, Ohio was gored near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin, just north of Old Faithful. According to reports, she was less than 10 feet from the animal. She was gored and thrown at least 10 feet into the air, but survived.
Park officials emphasized that Yellowstone visitors should keep a safe distance from all animals they may encounter in Yellowstone. “Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached,” the Park Service said.
