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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Ellena Cruse

Pensioner gored by wild bison at Yellowstone National Park after repeatedly approaching it to take a photo

A 72-year-old woman was rushed to hospital after being gored by a wild bison at Yellowstone National Park.

The pensioner had repeatedly approached the animal to take its picture on Thursday, park administrators said.

The victim, from California, was flown to an Idaho hospital for treatment and her current condition has not been revealed.

Run-ins between visitors and bison, also known as buffalo, occur periodically at Yellowstone. The animals are normally placid but can respond aggressively and charge when approached.

American Bisons passing tourists at Yellowstone National Park (AFP via Getty Images)

The woman had been camping at the beauty spot in Bridge Bay when she spotted the animal.

Wanting to record her sighting she ventured within 10 feet (3 metres) of the animal several times prior to being attacked, park officials said.

Park biologist Chris Geremia said it seemed like the bison was responding to what it perceived as a threat when the woman got too close.

A woman takes photos of Blue Star spring near Old Faithful Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming (AFP via Getty Images)

Visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards away from large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

In May, a woman was knocked to the ground when she got too close to a bison near the popular Old Faithful geyser.

Earlier this month a Missouri woman suffered minor injuries after being knocked to the ground by a grizzly bear in a surprise encountner.

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