Although it seems like bear attacks are the most common animal attack we see occurring at national parks, they aren’t the only animal that will attack when provoked. Bison encounters can end deadly as well.
It’s certainly not an animal you want to provoke, either. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, are the largest land-dwelling mammal in North America, and can run close to 35 miles per hour.
Bison Attack in Yellowstone
In fact, a woman was recently attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. The encounter happened on Sunday, June 20, and ended with the woman being flown to a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
According to NBC News, the identity of the woman attacked by the bison is currently unknown. Also unknown is exactly what led to the violent encounter with the bison. She was on a trail near the northern end of Yellowstone Lake at the time of the attack.
The woman has very significant injuries.
Apparently, it’s not entirely uncommon for a bison to bite back. According to a 2018 study, there are actually about two people in Yellowstone injured by bison each year. This, amongst other reasons, is why the national park has a rule in place to stay 25 yards away from large animals and at least 100 away from both bears and wolves.
Another recent bison attack happened in July 2020 in Yellowstone National Park. A woman finds herself in a tricky situation when two bison starts to charge at her. According to USA Today, nearby people scream at her to play dead, so she quickly drops to the ground.
One bison falls back, but the other still gets up close and personal with the woman. It sniffs her as a bystander grabs a stick as a weapon. Thankfully, the bison runs away and no injuries occurred from the interaction.
“Bison are wild animals that respond to threats by displaying aggressive behaviors. To be safe around bison, stay at least 25 yards away, move away if they approach, and run away or find cover if they charge,” NPS said in a statement.
Park Rangers Searching for Yellowstone Tourist
A recent video shows exactly why we need to stay 100 feet away from animals like bears — at least 100 feet.
One woman visiting Yellowstone National Park decided it was okay to get up close and personal to a grizzly bear in order to get a few stellar photos. Meanwhile, someone else is recording the entire situation.
According to USA Today, a woman named Darcie Addington shared the scene. Despite others warning her not to, the woman still approached the grizzly bear. The bear even started to charge at her, but the woman just casually walked away before it did.
This woman blatantly ignored the rule to stay 100 feet, which is in place for a very good reason. Now, park rangers are on the look for this woman who broke park rules.
