You are here

Home » Theodore Roosevelt National Park Hiker Injured By Bison

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Hiker Injured By Bison

Share

Published Date

July 7, 2017

A bison perturbed by a hiker at Theodore Roosevelt National Park charged and knocked him down ... and unconscious/Kurt Repanshek file photo

A hiker who went in search of a great sunset shot at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota stopped along the way to photograph a bison, which suddenly charged him and knocked him down ... and out, according to park officials.

Michael Turk, 65, of Juneau, Alaska, was hiking the Buckhorn Trail on June 30 between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. CDT when he encountered a bison. The man told park authorities he gave it a wide berth, and stopped a bit later to take photos of another bison as he headed back to the Juniper Campground.

"Turk recalls that sometime while he was photographing the bison, it turned toward him and charged," said a park release issued Friday evening. "He lost consciousness and sustained a large lacertation on his left inner thigh in addition to other cuts and bruises."

While the man was able to hike to the trailhead, he encountered another bison. At that point he climbed up a nearby butte and began calling for help. 

"Hearing Turk's calls for help, seven campers arrived at the trailhead and found Turk about 50 yards away, with a bison between them," the release said. "Unable to haze the bison away, one of the campers discharged a handgun into the ground, scaring the bison out of the area."

The campers then dressed Turk's wound and drove him to emergency responders, who took him to a hospital where he was treated and released.

Park officials remind visitors that bison are large, fast, and wild, and that visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, deer and horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

They also said that while visitors can carry firearms in the park, it is illegal to discharge one. No charges were filed in this case due to the circumstances around which the shot was fired.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.