The National Park Service (NPS) is warning visitors to be careful around all wildlife after two women were gored by bison at separate national parks last week.
“Park staff would like to remind visitors that bison are large, powerful, and wild,” according to staff at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. “They can turn quickly and can easily outrun humans.”
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal, according to the NPS.
“They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans,” the NPS continues.
Two Incidents At Two National Parks
In the first incident, a woman from Minnesota was “severely injured” by a bison at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
While the incident is still under investigation and all details aren’t yet known, what is clear is that the woman “sustained significant injuries to her abdomen and foot,” park officials explained. She was transported to a hospital in Fargo, and at last report, was in serious but stable condition.
Then, on July 17, a woman from Arizona was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.
That incident also remains under investigation. What is known, though, is that the woman “sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen,” and was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, park officials explain.
How To View Bison Safely
Bison are the largest land-dwelling mammal in North America.
Male bison, known as bulls, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and be 6 feet tall. Female bison, known as cows, can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and be 4–5 feet tall, according to the Department of the Interior.
Bison can be aggressive, are agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, the NPS explains.
To give wildlife space, NPS regulations require visitors to stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. Visitors must stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Bison should be given extra space if they approach a campsite, trail, parking lot, or a developed area. If one approaches, visitors should turn around and leave the area rather than interacting with the bison.
Finally, if you’re interested in taking pictures of wildlife, park officials recommend using the “rule of thumb.” Hold your thumb up and out at arm’s length. If you can cover the entire wild animal with your thumb, you’re probably a safe distance away.
You can find more tips for being safe at Yellowstone — including while you’re around wildlife — at Yellowstone’s Safety webpage and Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Safety webpage.
Once you’ve read up on safety measures, be sure to read all our Yellowstone National Park content, including:
