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It brings me no glee or happiness to report that the first reported bison goring of the year has occurred in Yellowstone National Park. On the morning of May 30, 2022, a visitor from Ohio was tossed 10 feet into the air after goring them. The woman who was injured was reportedly 10 feet away from the bison on a boardwalk in the park before the incident. Like 99.99% of all animal encounters like this in the park, it was easily preventable. ALWAYS follow the rules about wildlife viewing and adhere to ALL wildlife watching distance requests. Also, if you see someone approaching wildlife closer than thee recommended viewing distances, say something! This is not just their safety, but for the safety of the animal.

The following is the official press release from Yellowstone National Park, issued at 4:59pm on May 31st, 2022. 
Woman gored after approaching bison in Yellowstone National Park  
Always stay more than 25 yards away from bison
  • A 25-year-old female from Grove City, Ohio, approached a bison to within 10 feet on the morning of May 30, 2022.
  • Two other individuals were also within 25 yards of the same bison.
  • Park regulations require visitors to remain more than 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
  • As the bison walked near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin (just north of Old Faithful), the female, on the boardwalk, approached it. Consequently, the bison gored the woman and tossed her 10 feet into the air.
  • The woman sustained a puncture wound and other injuries.
  • Park emergency medical providers responded to the incident immediately and transported her via ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
  • The incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.
  • Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. 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 – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
  • This is the first reported incident in 2022 of a visitor threatening a bison (getting too close to the animal) and the bison responding to the threat by goring the individual.
  • Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
  • Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife.
  • Visitors: This year marks 150 Years of Yellowstone. Protect the park today and for future generations. Take the Yellowstone Pledge!

*Header image is my tattoo, which I got in Livingston, Montana at the incredible Blue Rider Tattoo Company. It is the old artwork from the fliers handed out to visitors in Yellowstone National Park. The new image, started in 2016, is not as fun or detailed. Numerous attempts to find out the original artist have come up short. The NPS told me they have no idea who drew the original piece, otherwise I would credit the artist.