On Friday morning, a 12-year-old was taken to a local hospital after a bison caused an injury in Yellowstone National Park. According to the National Park officials, the child had been in the park near Mud Volcano.
The visitor sustained injuries, and emergency medical personnel transported them to a nearby hospital. The incident remains under investigation.
Yellowstone National Park officials have posted warning signs throughout the park telling visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from wildlife like bison at all times. Although the bison may be seen quietly grazing, they are known to become aggressive when approached too closely. They can run three times faster than a human – just a warning to obey the rules!
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans and will defend their space when threatened.
It’s very important for tourists to understand that in Yellowstone, the wildlife make the rules. This is their home, and humans are the guests. It is discouraging and sad that every year too many “tourons” forget that wildlife are wild, powerful and unpredictable.
The term “touron” is a combination of “tourist” and “moron.” Just check out this next photo as the mother encouraged her child to join her for a photo next to a resting bison. What was she thinking?
Respect the distance. Stay on the trails. Use your zoom, not your legs. Enjoy the beauty, and don’t become the next story where people shake their heads in disgust knowing you didn’t respect the rules.
The severity of the injuries have not been disclosed.
An investigation is underway.
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