A youngster sustained injuries from a bison while visiting Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA. The park authorities disclosed that the incident took place close to Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge around 9:15 am local time on Friday.
The 12-year-old victim was promptly taken to a nearby hospital by paramedics, according to Yellowstone National Park. The severity of the injuries inflicted by the animal is not yet determined, and an ongoing investigation is expected to provide more details soon.
Yellowstone National Park is the habitat of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 bison, segregated into two primary herds – the Northern herd and the Central herd. This population has rebounded from near extinction, originating from a mere two dozen individuals seeking shelter in the park during the late 1800s.
Park officials caution that the wildlife in Yellowstone, including bison, can pose risks and exhibit aggression if their space is not respected. Bison have caused more injuries to individuals in Yellowstone than any other animal, as confirmed by the park. Their behavior is unpredictable, and they can sprint three times faster than humans while defending their territory when feeling threatened.
In incidents from the previous year, two individuals were gored by bison separately in Yellowstone due to inappropriate proximity to the animals. Furthermore, there were documented cases of a person being injured by a bison in 2024 and one in 2023.
Apart from bison, Yellowstone National Park 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 at all times. Additionally, park regulations mandate a minimum distance of 100 yards (91 meters) to be kept from bears, wolves, and cougars.
The park emphasizes the importance of moving away if wildlife approaches and maintaining the required distance. Visitors are reminded never to approach, touch, feed, or crowd wildlife, even if an animal seems docile.