An elderly woman from Pennsylvania sustained non-life-threatening injuries when she was gored by a bull bison in what was the third goring this season at Yellowstone National Park and second in three days.
This time it appeared to be an accidental encounter, as the 71-year-old woman from West Chester and her daughter “inadvertently approached the bison” as they returned to their vehicle at the trailhead, causing the animal to charge, according to Yellowstone National Park.
The incident occurred Wednesday near Storm Point at Yellowstone Lake. The victim was transported by ambulance to West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming. There is no additional information about the incident, which remains under investigation.
The first incident occurred May 30 when a 25-year-old woman approached a bison within 10 feet; she was tossed into the air and sustained a puncture wound. The second incident occurred Monday and was captured in video; a 34-year-old man was attacked near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful when he and his family got too close to a bull bison.
Park officials warn visitors to stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, moose and deer, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
Also on FTW Outdoors: Grizzly bear attacks hiker in surprise encounter; no time to react
Other National Park Service guidelines for viewing wildlife safely:
Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached.
Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
Approaching bison threatens them and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.
Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
Generic bison photos courtesy of the National Park Service.