On Tuesday, a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. when a large group of visitors approached the bison too closely, prompting it to gore the man. According to the National Park Service (NPS), he sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel. The incident is under investigation, with no further details or media available at this time.
This marks the second bison-related injury in Yellowstone in 2025, following an earlier incident on May 7. In comparison, there were two reported incidents in 2024 and one in 2023. Bison, the largest land mammals in North America, have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal due to their unpredictable nature and defensive behavior when feeling threatened. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run three times faster than humans.
The NPS emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals. Park regulations require staying at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from large animals like bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes, and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears, wolves, and cougars. If wildlife approaches, visitors must move away to maintain these distances. Bison may signal aggression by head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting, indicating a potential charge.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Yellowstone’s safety guidelines, available on the park’s website, and take the Yellowstone Pledge to protect the park’s wildlife and ensure safe experiences for future generations. Staying vigilant and respecting wildlife boundaries is critical in Yellowstone, home to approximately 5,400 bison as of 2024.
