- Two tourists were gored by bison in National Parks within the last week.
- Officials urged caution around and distance from the "large, powerful, and wild" animals.
Two tourists were gored by bison in national parks in the last week, prompting park officials to issue strongly worded warnings: Stay away.
On Saturday, a visitor at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota was severely injured in her abdomen and foot by a bison. Park staff were notified about the incident at 11 a.m. MDT and quickly responded, treating the patient before she was transported by ambulance to a hospital.
The details of the accident — including if the tourist did anything to agitate the bison or was standing too close to the animal — aren't currently known, park staff said.
On Monday, a similar bison-involved incident occurred at Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. According to park staff, a visitor was walking along a trail when she spotted two bison in the field.
The tourist kept a distance and turned to walk away from the bison — the correct protocol when coming across a bison — but was charged at and attacked, sustaining significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. She was transported to the hospital by helicopter.
In both cases, National Park Service staff said bison are dangerous wildlife that should be respected and kept a distance of at least 25 yards.
"Park staff would like to remind visitors that bison are large, powerful, and wild. They can turn quickly and can easily outrun humans," staff said, adding that the animals are "unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans."
Park staff also said that mid-July through mid-August is bison mating season, meaning the animals could be agitated more quickly and easily.
"Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time," staff said.