A tourist in Yellowstone National Park was seriously injured Monday when she was gored by a bison while trying to walk away from the animal.
The 47-year-old woman, visiting from Arizona, suffered “significant injuries to her chest and abdomen,” according to a park news release. She was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The morning incident – the first involving a bison attacking a tourist in 2023 – occurred near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake.
Apparently, the woman and another tourist turned to walk away from bison that had gathered in the area. One animal charged and gored the woman.
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The park said it was unclear how close she was to the bison when it attacked, and that a probe has been launched.
“This incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share, including the woman’s condition,” the park stated.
Yellowstone tourists are supposed to remain at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
The incident occurred as the bison rut, or mating season, is getting underway. Bison are easily agitated during the rut.
–Generic bison image courtesy of Yellowstone National Park