Bison gored visitor in Yellowstone, tosses her 10 feet into air

An Ohio woman who was visiting Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison after she got to close to the animal, launching her 10 feet into the air, park officials reported.

The 25-year-old woman approached a female bison on Monday morning near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin, despite warnings from the national park to stay more than 25 yards away from any bison they encountered.

The woman, whose name has not been released, got within 10 feet of the Bison, who then charged at her. Two other individuals were also reported being within 25 yards of the animal.

“Consequently, the bison gored the woman and tossed her 10 feet into the air,” the Park Service said.

The woman suffered a puncture wound as well as other injuries. She was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to get treated.

While NBS News initially reported that the woman died of her injuries on Tuesday, the National Park Service has not confirmed this information.

“The incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share,” the Park Service said in its news release. “Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached.”

Bison are the largest mammals in North America. Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run three times faster than humans. They are unpredictable and very strong.  They have injured more visitors at Yellowstone than any other animal.

The incident on Monday was the first Bison attack reported in the part this year. Park officials have warned visitors to stay away from any animal in the park.

“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,” the park says in their website.