Woman Gored by Bison in Yellowstone Whilst Taking Its Photo

A 72-year-old woman from California, USA, has been “gored” by a wild bison in Yellowstone National Park. The woman is said to have approached within 10 feet of the animal “multiple times” before the incident.

The National Park Service reported that she sustained “multiple goring wounds” and was flown by helicopter to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Centre for treatment.

The woman had been staying at the Bridge Bay Campground, where the injury occurred on 25th June 2020.

“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.”

The incident is another reminder that individuals should adhere to a code of ethics when photographing wildlife, and follow the advice of local authorities.

“When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or developer area, give it space,” says the NPS. “Stay more than 23 metres away from all large animals and at least 91 metres from bears and wolves.

“If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.”

You can read more about staying safe in national parks on the NPS website. The NPS has said the incident is still under investigation and has no more information to share.