Teenager Injured in Attack by Bison at Yellowstone National Park
A 13-year-old girl from Idaho sustained injuries after being charged and tossed by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred near Old Faithful, one of the park’s most frequented geothermal areas, according to reports from the National Park Service.
### Details of the Incident
The teenager was walking with her family on a trail near the Old Faithful geyser when the encounter occurred. According to park officials, the bison charged the group and struck the girl, tossing her into the air. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby medical facility for treatment. While the specific nature of her injuries was not disclosed, authorities confirmed she was struck by the animal during the interaction.
### Yellowstone Safety Regulations
Yellowstone National Park maintains strict guidelines regarding wildlife interactions, specifically mandating that visitors remain at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, and deer. For bears and wolves, the required distance increases to 100 yards.
Park rangers frequently emphasize that bison are unpredictable and can move much faster than humans, despite their size. According to National Park Service data, bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. The animals often exhibit defensive behaviors when they feel threatened, cornered, or when their space is encroached upon by tourists attempting to capture photographs or move too close for a better view.
### Precedent and Risk Management
This incident follows a series of similar wildlife encounters within the park system. Park officials consistently remind visitors that Yellowstone is a wild environment and that animals do not behave like domesticated livestock.
The National Park Service continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the encounter. There have been no announcements regarding changes to trail access or additional restrictions in the Old Faithful area, and the park remains open to visitors. The investigation into whether the bison exhibited signs of distress prior to the charge remains ongoing.