A woman from Franklin County, Ohio, was gored by a bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming after she approached the animal on Monday morning, according to parks officials.
The 25-year-old victim, who was not identified, reportedly walked towards the bovine as it neared a boardwalk just north of Old Faithful, according to a press release.
As she got within ten feet of the animal, it gored her and tossed her ten feet into the air, officials said. As a result, the victim suffered a puncture wound and other injuries and was transported to a local hospital, authorities said.
Parks officials are advising Yellowstone visitors to stay at least 75 feet away from large animals like bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 300 feet away from bears and wolves.
Park officials say it’s the first reported bison goring this year. The park statement said bison are unpredictable, have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal and can run three times faster than humans.
“Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans,” parks officials warned.
“Give Wildlife Room, Use a Zoom. Animals in the park are wild & dangerous if approached. Keep wildlife wild by not approaching or feeding any animal. Stay 100yd (91m) from bears & wolves, & 25 yds (23m) from other animals. Use a telephoto lens, spotting scope, or binoculars.”
