Woman is hospitalized after being gored by bison at Yellowstone Park

Woman, 47, is attacked and gored by charging bison leaving her with chest and stomach injuries as she walked with a friend in Yellowstone Park

• The unnamed woman was out walking with a friend when the bison charged 

A bison gored and significantly injured an Arizona woman out walking in Yellowstone National Park, officials say.

The unnamed woman, 47 from Phoenix, was in a field near Lake Lodge, north of Lake Yellowstone, with a friend on Monday morning when she was suddenly charged.

Park staff said in a statement that the people turned to walk away after seeing two bison – which can weigh up to 2180lbs (990kg) – in front of them.

But one of the animals charged and gored the woman, causing significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. 

She was taken by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Adult male bison can weight as much as 2180lbs (990kg) and are dangerous if approached

Yellowstone National Park tweeted the update, warning tourists against getting too close

Park officials did not release the woman’s name or condition. 

How to keep safe around bisons 

When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space.

Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.

If needed, turn around and find another route. 

Separate advice is given for different types of bear encounter. 

During mating season from mid-July through mid-August, bison can become quickly agitated.

Use extra caution and give them extra space through the summer.

Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.

Source: National Park Service

The National Park Service confirmed the incident on their website, writing that it was unclear how far the two people were  

How far the two people were from the bison when the attack began was unknown, the statement said.

The attack was being investigated.

Turning around to find another route is advised by park officials.

They warn that during this time of year, the animals are in their mating season – and may become more easily irritated.

It is advised to keep at least 23 yards (23 metres) of distance from all large animals. 

The National Park Service offers a complete guide for protecting yourself from animals when visiting. 

Monday’s attack was the first known bison attack on a person in Yellowstone in more than a year. 

Bison injured two people in the park in 2022.

In May 2023, Yellowstone tourists were filmed edging away from a dangerous encounter with bison after trying to pet them.

One video which was posted by TouronsOfYellowstone and credited to Russ Bjorn on Instagram, shows a woman extending her hand in an attempt to touch the bison.

The bison was seen to lunge forward, as if ready to charge.

File image shows buffalo grazing at Hayden Valley, Yellowstone. The park is home to many bison and buffalo

The woman jumped back in panic, falling over herself as other members of the group screamed.

The beast showed clemency, choosing not to react.

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