On June 27, 2022, a 34-year-old Colorado man was gored by a bull bison near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred when the man and his family encountered the bison on a boardwalk and failed to maintain a safe distance. Despite the bison’s charge, they did not leave the area, resulting in the man sustaining an arm injury. This event highlights the importance of adhering to park safety guidelines and respecting wildlife in their natural habitat.
What Happened During the Bison Attack?
The incident unfolded as follows:
- Location: Near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful
- Date: June 27, 2022
- Victim: 34-year-old man from Colorado Springs
- Circumstances:
- The man was walking with his family on a boardwalk
- A bull bison began charging at them
- The family did not leave the area
- The bison continued to charge and gored the man
- Injury: The man sustained an injury to his arm
- Medical Response: Transported by ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of maintaining a safe distance from animals in national parks.
Why Are Bison Attacks a Concern in Yellowstone?
Bison attacks in Yellowstone National Park are a significant concern due to several factors:
- Bison Population: Yellowstone is home to approximately 5,000 bison, making encounters likely.
- Size and Strength: Adult bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of 35 mph.
- Unpredictable Behavior: Despite their seemingly docile appearance, bison can become aggressive without warning.
- Visitor Misconceptions: Many visitors underestimate the danger posed by bison, often approaching too closely for photos or interactions.
These factors combine to create potentially dangerous situations for park visitors who fail to respect wildlife boundaries.
What Safety Guidelines Does Yellowstone National Park Enforce?
Yellowstone National Park has established strict safety guidelines to protect visitors during wildlife encounters:
| Animal | Minimum Safe Distance |
|---|---|
| Bison, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Moose, Coyotes | 25 yards (23 meters) |
| Bears and Wolves | 100 yards (91 meters) |
Additional safety measures include:
- Prominent signage warning visitors to maintain safe distances from wildlife
- Emergency protocols for animal encounters near developed areas
- Recommendations to turn around and go the other way if an animal is blocking a path
- Immediate reporting of wildlife incidents to park authorities
How Common Are Bison Attacks in Yellowstone?
While bison attacks are not frequent, they do occur with concerning regularity:
- On average, Yellowstone reports 1-3 bison-related injuries per year
- Most incidents involve visitors approaching bison too closely
- The Colorado man’s goring was the second reported incident in 2022
- Previous years have seen similar occurrences, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this issue
What Types of Injuries Result from Bison Attacks?
Bison attacks can lead to severe injuries, including:
- Deep gashes
- Puncture wounds
- Blunt trauma
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
In the case of the Colorado man, he sustained an arm injury. The severity of injuries can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the force of impact and the victim’s position during the attack.
How Are Bison Attack Victims Treated?
Treatment for bison attack victims typically involves:
- Immediate first aid at the scene
- Rapid transport to medical facilities
- In this case, the victim was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
- Assessment and treatment of injuries, which may include:
- Wound cleaning and disinfection
- Suturing of lacerations
- Treatment for potential infections
- Surgery for severe injuries
- Follow-up care and rehabilitation as needed
Recovery times can vary significantly based on the severity of injuries sustained.
What Facilities Does Yellowstone Offer for Visitor Safety?
Yellowstone National Park provides several facilities to support visitor safety:
- First Aid Stations:
- Old Faithful Clinic (summer only)
- Lake Clinic
-
Mammoth Clinic (year-round)
-
Ranger Stations:
- Old Faithful Ranger Station
- Canyon Ranger Station
-
Grant Village Ranger Station
-
Visitor Centers:
- Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
- Canyon Visitor Education Center
- Grant Village Visitor Center
These facilities offer information, assistance, and immediate medical care when needed.
How Can Visitors Stay Safe Around Bison in Yellowstone?
To ensure safety around bison in Yellowstone, visitors should:
- Maintain the recommended 25-yard distance at all times
- Never approach or attempt to feed bison
- Stay on designated trails and boardwalks
- Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for close-up views
- Be aware of your surroundings and bison behavior
- Leave an area immediately if bison are present
- Follow all park ranger instructions and posted signs
By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters with bison and other wildlife.
What Lessons Can Be Learned from the Colorado Man’s Experience?
The incident involving the Colorado man gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park offers several important lessons:
- Respect Wildlife Boundaries: Always maintain the recommended safe distances from animals.
- Heed Warning Signs: Pay attention to and follow all posted safety guidelines and warnings.
- Prioritize Safety Over Photos: Avoid the temptation to get closer to animals for better pictures.
- Be Prepared to Leave: If wildlife approaches, be ready to quickly and calmly leave the area.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the behavior and potential dangers of wildlife before visiting the park.
- Follow Park Ranger Instructions: Always comply with directions given by park staff.
By internalizing these lessons, future visitors can help prevent similar incidents and ensure a safer experience for everyone in Yellowstone National Park.
The Colorado man gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and following park safety guidelines. By understanding the risks, adhering to safety measures, and appreciating animals from a distance, visitors can enjoy the natural wonders of Yellowstone while minimizing the potential for dangerous encounters with its wild inhabitants.
References:
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-gored-bison-yellowstone-national-park-attack-year/story?id=85911178
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/220628.htm
- https://www.sweetwaternow.com/colorado-man-gored-by-bison-in-yellowstone-national-park/