A tourist was seriously injured after being gored and tossed into the air by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park on Friday, highlighting the dangers of close encounters with the park's largest land mammal.
The incident occurred at the Bridge Bay Campground, where the man was reportedly walking with his grandson when the approximately 2,000-pound bull charged. According to witness accounts, the bison hooked the man with its horn and flipped him several feet into the air before bystanders distracted the animal, allowing it to flee.
The National Park Service has not released additional details about the victim's condition but confirmed that emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. The incident is under investigation.
Professional wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod, who witnessed the attack, described the bull as "agitated" and said it had been charging multiple objects and people throughout the campground before turning its attention to the tourist.
The attack occurred during Yellowstone's annual bison rut, or breeding season, when male bison are known to become significantly more aggressive as they compete for mates. It was the park's second reported bison-related injury involving a visitor this year.
Although many visitors associate Yellowstone's greatest dangers with bears or wolves, bison actually injure more people in the park than any other large wild animal, according to the National Park Service.
Why Do Bison Attack People?
Despite their calm appearance, bison are wild animals capable of sprinting at speeds of up to 35 mph. much faster than humans.
Most aggressive encounters occur when the animals feel threatened, startled, or cornered. During the summer breeding season, known as the rut, male bison become especially territorial and unpredictable as hormone levels rise and they compete with rivals.
Even visitors who believe they are keeping a reasonable distance can unintentionally place themselves in danger if a bison changes direction or feels its personal space has been invaded.
The National Park Service advises visitors to remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison, elk, and other large animals, and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves. If an animal approaches, officials recommend moving away immediately to restore a safe distance.
What Injuries Can a Bison Cause?
Weighing up to 2,000 pounds and equipped with sharp horns, bison are capable of causing severe trauma.
Victims may suffer broken bones, deep puncture wounds, internal bleeding, head injuries, spinal trauma, and crush injuries after being gored, trampled, or thrown into the air.
Even when wounds appear minor, emergency physicians often evaluate patients for hidden internal injuries because blunt-force trauma from being tossed or trampled can damage organs without obvious external signs.
How Are Wildlife Attack Injuries Treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of injuries.
Emergency responders first stabilize the patient by controlling bleeding, protecting the airway, and immobilizing suspected neck or spinal injuries. At the hospital, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans may be used to identify fractures or internal bleeding.
Patients with puncture wounds may require surgery, antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, and tetanus vaccination if indicated. Serious cases involving internal injuries or multiple fractures often require trauma surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
Staying Safe Around Yellowstone Wildlife
Park officials emphasize that the safest way to observe wildlife is from inside a vehicle or from a significant distance using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
Feeding, approaching, or attempting to photograph wildlife up close can increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters. It is also illegal to deliberately approach wildlife in ways that disturb or displace the animals.
As millions of visitors head to Yellowstone each year, experts say the recent attack serves as a reminder that even animals that appear calm can react in an instant, especially during breeding season. Respecting recommended viewing distances remains one of the most effective ways to protect both visitors and wildlife.
