Woman, 83, Injured by Bison in Yellowstone National Park

An 83-year-old woman sustained severe injuries after a bison gored her at Yellowstone National Park. The incident took place near the Storm Point Trail on Saturday, June 1, as detailed in a press release from the National Park Service.

According to park officials, the bison, defending its territory, approached the woman and lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns. The victim, who is from Greenville, South Carolina, received immediate assistance from park emergency responders.

Initially taken to the Lake Medical Clinic, she was later airlifted by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for further medical care. At present, the incident remains under investigation, with no updates available regarding the woman’s condition.

Authorities at Yellowstone National Park stressed the importance of adhering to safety regulations and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. They cautioned visitors that wild animals, including bison, can display aggressive behavior if their space is intruded upon.

Notably, bison have been responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal. Park visitors were reminded to keep a minimum distance of 25 yards from large animals and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

While bison are not typically aggressive, they will defend their territory if they perceive a threat, and their behavior can be unpredictable. Additionally, bison can run three times faster than humans.

The park emphasized the significance of exercising good judgment and following safety protocols to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

As of the time of reporting, Yellowstone National Park had not responded to inquiries for comment. This incident follows a similar encounter in July 2023 when a bison also injured Amber Harris, 47, from Phoenix, Arizona, in the park. She later got engaged to her fiancé, Chris Whitehill, during her recovery in the hospital.