Visitor gored by bison after approaching too closely in Yellowstone

In the United States, specifically in Yellowstone National Park, a notable incident occurred when a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, was injured by a bison. This event took place on the morning of a Tuesday at about 9:45 a.m., in the Old Faithful area of the park. The individual was part of a large group of visitors who, despite park regulations, approached the animal too closely, leading to an aggressive response from the bison. Park officials emphasized that this incident was in line with previous attacks this season, highlighting a growing concern over visitor safety in encounters with wildlife. The individual sustained minor injuries as a result of the attack. Emergency personnel were promptly on the scene to provide treatment before transporting him for further care. Despite being injured, the victim's injuries were not life-threatening, and he was conscious during the response. This goring incident is significant because it marks the second bison-related attack reported in Yellowstone National Park this spring alone. On May 4, a different man, aged 47 from Cape Coral, Florida, encountered a similar fate when he approached a bison too closely, resulting in minor injuries.  Yellowstone Park officials have released statements reminding visitors of the inherent dangers posed by wild animals, particularly bison, which are known for their unpredictable nature and ability to charge when they feel threatened. Park regulations require visitors to maintain a safe distance from bison, at least 25 yards away, as well as a greater distance from more dangerous wildlife including bears and wolves. Despite being herbivores, bison can be very aggressive, defending their territory vigorously, which has led to multiple injuries in the past. Statistically, bison attacks are not an unusual occurrence in Yellowstone. Reports indicate that bison have injured more people than any other species in the park. In the last few years, there have been several incidents of bison attacks, including an incident in 2024 wherein an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina was seriously injured when caught on a bison's horns. The park has witnessed other close encounters as well, and these serve as stark reminders for visitors to respect wildlife and their space when exploring natural habitats. These incidents raise concerns about visitor behavior and the need for strong awareness regarding wildlife regulation compliance to safeguard human lives and maintain the balance of nature in national parks.