Tragic Yellowstone incident: 69-Year-Old Woman Gored by Bison in Yellowstone While Taking…

A 69-year-old woman was gored numerous times by a wild bison in Yellowstone National Park  after apparently getting within 10 feet of the animal “multiple times” to photograph it. The incident is being investigated, but the park wants to encourage campers to maintain a safe distance when photographing wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park issued a news release yesterday stating that the incident occurred on September 24th at the Bridge Bay Campground.

“The series of events that led to the goring suggest the bison was threatened by being repeatedly approached to within 10 feet,” says Yellowstone Senior Bison Biologist Chris Geremia. “Bisons are wild creatures that respond to threats by exhibiting aggressive behaviors such as pawing the ground, snorting, bobbing their heads, bellowing, and lifting their tail. If that does not cause the threat (in this case, a person) to flee, a threatened bison may charge.”

This looks to be what occurred to the unidentified camper, who allegedly “approached within 10 feet of a bison multiple times to take its photo” before the animal lost patience.
Park rangers responded quickly to the incident and provided medical care until a helicopter came to transport the camper to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. The 72-year-old’s condition was not disclosed, but Yellowstone stated that the event is “under investigation,” and reminded visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from any wild animal in the park.

“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,” according to Geremia.

“Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves,” according to the news release, adding to Geremia’s remarks. “If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.”