YNP Visitor Gored By Bison

A 50-year-old Massachusetts man is hospitalized after being charged and gored by a bison near the Norris campground in Yellowstone National Park Saturday.  Spokesman Dan Hottle says the individual, whose name was not immediately released, was with a group of people observing the bison and did not retreat with the others when the bison moved toward them.  Too late, he began to run and was attacked.  Hottle says the bison, gored him, threw him up into the air and pinned him to the ground where he received broken ribs, broken collar bone, broken shoulder blade and a severe groin injury.  He was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Medical Center where he has been admitted for treatment. Hottle says park rules require visitors to stay at least 100 yards away bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife at all times.  If the animals begin moving toward you, Hottle says move away – and in the case of a bison; run!  Hottle says the best defense against attacks is to stay a safe distance from wildlife and use your binoculars, spotting scope or telephoto lens to get a closer look. Of course, he says never feed, approach, disturb or entice wildlife – including birds – in any way.