Bison seriously injures hiker in Yellowstone National Park
A female hiker sustained “significant injuries” during a bison attack late Sunday in Yellowstone National Park.
The 30-year-old Michigan woman, who was hiking with a companion on the Storm Point Trail overlooking Yellowstone Lake, was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Yellowstone Public Affairs Officer Linda Veress said the park does not know what might have triggered the attack and does not possess photos or video footage of the encounter. Veress did not confirm reports that the woman was gored by the bison.
Photo: ©Pete Thomas
The park issued a plea for tourists to be more careful around the iconic animals, which appear docile but can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and are unpredictable and surprisingly quick.
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“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild,” the park stated. “When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. 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.
“If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.”
The Jackson News and Guide described the incident as “Yellowstone’s first bison goring” of 2021.
–Yellowstone bison images courtesy ©Pete Thomas
