Two separate incidents of bison attacks at national parks have left two women severely injured, prompting park officials to issue warnings to visitors about the dangers of approaching wild animals.
The first incident occurred at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota on July 15, where a Minnesota woman visiting the Painted Canyon Trailhead was attacked by a bison. Park staff were alerted to the incident at approximately 11 a.m. and quickly responded to the scene. The injured woman was treated by medical staff on-site before being transferred to an area hospital for further care. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transported to another hospital and is reported to be in serious but stable condition. The woman sustained significant injuries to her abdomen and foot during the attack. Park officials have initiated an investigation into the incident.
In a similar incident just two days later on July 17, another woman, aged 47, faced a terrifying encounter with a bison at Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred near the Lake Lodge Cabins Hotel when the woman and another person encountered two bison. Attempting to leave the area, one of the bison charged at the woman, resulting in significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene and transported the injured woman to a medical center 165 miles away via helicopter.
Following these alarming incidents, park officials have issued warnings to all visitors about the potential risks associated with interacting with wild animals, particularly during the rutting season, which takes place from mid-July through August. Bison, in particular, are noted for being large, powerful, and capable of outrunning humans. Park regulations mandate that visitors maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (equivalent to the length of two full-sized buses) from large animals like bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and horses.
Authorities have urged visitors to exercise extreme caution when encountering such animals and avoid any interaction with them. If visitors happen to come across wild animals during their visit, they are advised to turn around and walk in the opposite direction to ensure their safety.
Park staff have expressed their sincere well-wishes to the injured women and their families as they continue to receive medical care and recover from their injuries. As investigations into both incidents continue, officials remain committed to enhancing safety measures to protect both park visitors and the park’s diverse wildlife population.
