YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) A visitor from Cape Coral, Florida, experienced a dangerous encounter with a bison in Yellowstone National Park, marking the first such incident of 2025. The incident occurred just a few weeks into the busy summer season, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with wildlife in the park.
According to a statement released by park officials, the 47-year-old man attempted to get too close to the bison, which led to the violent encounter. Fortunately, he managed to escape with only minor injuries. Park officials reiterated their routine warning to visitors: it is crucial not to approach wildlife too closely, which can provoke aggressive behavior.
Details surrounding the incident were limited, and park officials did not disclose additional information about the individual involved. The attack took place at Lake Village, a popular area within the park that features cabins, a lodge, and campsites along the shore of Yellowstone Lake.
Bison have been known to be particularly aggressive when people encroach upon their space. In fact, park officials stated that bison have caused more injuries to visitors than any other wildlife species in Yellowstone. In 2024 alone, at least two individuals were gored by bison, one of whom was an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina who sustained serious injuries. Additionally, a bison attack in 2023 resulted in significant injuries to a woman from Arizona, while two individuals were injured by bison in 2022.
Beyond getting too close to the animals, some visitors have been known to engage in dangerous behaviors, such as picking up baby bison. Such actions can have severe consequences, including the risk of the baby being rejected by its herd, which could lead to its death, as well as posing a risk to those who intervene.
Bison, while often seen grazing and appearing docile, are capable of running at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour), which is significantly faster than the men's world record sprint in the 100-meter dash. The park regulations clearly specify that visitors must maintain at least 25 yards (23 meters) of distance from bison and other large herbivores, while a greater distance of 100 yards (91 meters) is required from wolves and bears.
As the largest land animals in North America, bison can stand up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Their massive size and quick agility make them potentially dangerous when provoked.
In 2024, Yellowstone attracted approximately 4.7 million visitors, showcasing its status as a major destination for tourists. Unfortunately, the summer season also began with a tragic tour bus crash in nearby Idaho, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The summer season in Yellowstone officially kicked off with road plowing activities that commenced in late April.
Visitors to Yellowstone are encouraged to respect wildlife and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure both their own safety and the well-being of the park’s natural inhabitants. Constant reminders from park officials reflect the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, particularly with bison, whose unpredictable nature poses a significant risk to those who may underestimate their strength and speed.
