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Man Gored by Bison in Yellowstone After Ignoring Safety Warnings

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

Close-up of a bison standing in a vibrant green pasture on a sunny day.
Bison. Image by Chait Goli via Pexels.

When a 30‑year‑old visitor from New Jersey strayed too close to a bull bison in the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful, he was gored—resulting in minor injuries but a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by Yellowstone’s wildlife.

A Routine Visit Turns Dangerous

Bison
Bison. Image by Openverse.

On June 10, the man was part of a group exploring Yellowstone’s iconic geothermal area when he approached too near the massive bison. Within seconds, the animal charged and gored him, leaving the man shaken but thankfully with only mild wounds.

Encroaching on Wild Territory

Bison Grazing
American Bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park. Image by PTHamilton via Depositphotos.

Despite clear guidelines—at least 25 yards from bison—tourists often ignore them in pursuit of closer shots or photos. Yellowstone houses around 4,800 bison, making it vital to respect these boundaries, especially in busy zones like Old Faithful.

Harmless Looks, Dangerous Power

Bison
American Bison forming a large group during breeding season. Image via Depositphotos.

With weights up to 2,000 lbs and the ability to run faster than Olympic sprinters, bison are unpredictable. They react sharply to perceived threats, especially when visitors get too close. These gentle giants become defensive in an instant.

This Isn’t the First Encounter

The Economic Benefits of Bison in Yellowstone
The Economic Benefits of Bison in Yellowstone (image credits: pixabay)

The incident marks the second bison goring in Yellowstone this month. Earlier in May, a Florida man was similarly injured. Moreover, recent years have seen older adults and children harmed after approaching bison too closely.

Boundaries Aren’t Suggestions

Adult female American bison and 1 week- and 1 month-old calves at the Prioksko-terrasny biosphere reserve, Russia. Image by oksanavg via Depositphotos.

The National Park Service reaffirms its safety regulations: guests must stay at least 25 yards from bison and other large herbivores, and 100 yards from predators. Violators are urged to retreat immediately when wildlife shows signs of aggression.

A Sobering Lesson for Tourists

American bison. Image via Unsplash

While this latest goring left only minor injuries, it serves as a stark warning. Yellowstone is no zoo. Maintaining safe distances isn’t just common sense—it’s essential. When wildlife approaches, the only safe move is to step back.

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