A 30-year-old tourist from New Jersey was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin at Old Faithful after a group of visitors approached the animal too closely. National Park Service officials confirmed that the incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday. The man, from Randolph, was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel for minor injuries.
This is the second bison-related injury at Yellowstone this year. On May 4, a 47-year-old tourist from Cape Coral, Florida, was also gored by a bison after approaching it too closely in the Lake Village area. Both incidents underline the need for visitors to maintain safe distances from wildlife, as emphasized by park officials.
Park authorities reiterated that wild animals can become aggressive if people don’t respect their space. They reminded visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from large animals like bison, elk, and moose, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars. If wildlife approach, visitors should move away to maintain safe viewing distances. Bison are capable of running three times faster than humans and can be unpredictable, making them particularly dangerous in close encounters.
The National Park Service noted that there were two reported incidents of people being injured by bison at Yellowstone in 2024, with one incident also recorded in 2023. These incidents highlight the importance of following safety guidelines to prevent such accidents and ensure the well-being of both visitors and wildlife.