Yellowstone National Park visitors experienced another reminder of the dangers posed by its wildlife when a bison gored a man on Tuesday. The incident involved a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, who sustained minor injuries when he got too close to the animal in the Old Faithful area around 9:45 a.m., according to an official park statement.
Park officials have withheld the individual’s name and condition, noting that the specific details surrounding the incident are still under investigation. This event marks the second such occurrence this spring; previously, a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, suffered minor injuries following a bison encounter in the Lake Village area on May 7.
These occurrences are not uncommon, as bison have been known to injure more visitors than any other wild animal in the park. Last year, Yellowstone registered at least two bison-related injuries, including a severe incident involving an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina. Even earlier, an Arizona woman was also gored by a bison within the park’s boundaries in 2023. Bison attacks resulted in two injuries during 2022 as well.
These massive animals, known to be the largest land mammals in North America, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) and stand up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall. Their speed is equally daunting as they are capable of charging at 35 mph (56 kph), outpacing the men’s world record for the 100-meter dash.
Park guidelines explicitly urge visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards (22.86 meters) from bison and other large herbivores. Moreover, they recommend keeping a distance of 100 yards (91 meters) away from predators such as wolves and bears. Despite these regulations, incidents continue to occur, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety measures while exploring the park’s natural beauty.