A bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, US, injured a child during a recent visit. The incident took place near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge around 9:15 am local time on Friday, as confirmed by park officials.
The 12-year-old victim was swiftly taken by paramedics to a nearby hospital by Yellowstone National Park staff. The severity of the child’s injuries sustained from the bison remains undisclosed as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Yellowstone National Park is a habitat to an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 bison, categorized into the Northern and Central herds. This population was rescued from near extinction, originating from only a small group that sought shelter in the park in the late 1800s.
Park authorities issued a cautionary warning about the wildlife in Yellowstone, emphasizing the potential danger posed by animals like bison if their space is not respected. They highlighted that bison have caused more injuries to visitors in the park than any other animal due to their unpredictable nature, speed, and territorial defense instincts.
In the past year, two individuals were gored by bison in separate encounters at Yellowstone due to inappropriate proximity to the animals. Furthermore, there were recorded incidents of bison-inflicted injuries in 2024 and 2023.
Apart from bison, Yellowstone is also home to elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes, all of which visitors are advised to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (22 meters) from. Additionally, a distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters) is recommended when encountering bears, wolves, and cougars.
Yellowstone National Park management stresses the importance of promptly moving away if wildlife approaches, reiterating the prohibition of approaching, touching, feeding, or crowding any animals in the park, regardless of their apparent demeanor.