News Release

Second visitor in three days gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

A bison grazing along Pelican Creek (this photo is not of the specific incident detailed below).

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

News Release Date: June 30, 2022

Contact: Morgan Warthin, [phone]

Incident details

• A 71-year-old woman from West Chester, Pennsylvania, was gored by a bull bison near Storm Point at Yellowstone Lake on Wednesday, June 29. 
• The woman and her daughter inadvertently approached the bison as they were returning to their vehicle at the trailhead, causing the bull bison to charge.
• The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries after the encounter and was transported by ambulance to West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming.
• This incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.  
• This is the third reported bison and visitor incident in 2022. On May 30, a woman approached a bison near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin, and a man approached a bison near a boardwalk at Giant Geyser on June 28.

How to view wildlife safely

• Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached.
• Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. 
• Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes - and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
• Approaching bison threatens them and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
• Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.
• Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.  
• Read more about safety in the park, including how to view wildlife safely. 
• Visitors: This year marks 150 Years of Yellowstone. Protect the park today and for future generations. Take the Yellowstone Pledge!