The National Park Service (NPS) provided details in a statement released on Monday, June 29, 2020, about the Yellowstone Bison goring incident. The NPS contends that resident bison are wild animals and will react as such. Visitors should keep distance and maintain awareness.
“The series of events that led to the goring suggest the bison was threatened by being repeatedly approached to within 10 feet,” said . “Bison are wild animals that respond to threats by displaying aggressive behaviors like pawing the ground, snorting, bobbing their head, bellowing, and raising their tail. If that doesn’t make the threat (in this instance it was a person) move away, a threatened bison may charge. To be safe around bison, stay at least 25 yards away, move away if they approach, and run away or find cover if they charge.”
– Chris Geremia, Yellowstone’s Senior Bison Biologist
The Incident
A 72-year-old woman from California approached within 10 feet of a Yellowstone bison multiple times to take its photo. The incident occurred on the evening of June 25, 2020, at the woman’s campsite at Bridge Bay Campground. Rangers provided immediate medical care to the woman who sustained multiple goring wounds. She was flown to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. The incident is still under investigation. The NPS has shared no additional information.
Prevention
The Park asks visitors to commit to The Yellowstone Pledge.
“I pledge to protect Yellowstone National Park. I will act responsibly and safely, set a good example for others, and share my love of the park and all the things that make it special.”
The intent of the pledge is to orient visitors toward principles of safety. The Park supports the Pledge with a list of 10 ways to put the plan into action (link above).
Yellowstone Bison Safety
In addition to the Pledge, the NPS advises the following rules for personal safety within the park(s):
- Never approach animals. The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk.
- Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas. Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don’t let them run.
- Never feed wildlife. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.
- Never park in the road or block traffic. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.
