A young Florida girl learned the hard way that while bison might appear docile, they can quickly charge you/NPS, Jacob W. Frank file
A 9-year-old Florida girl avoided serious injury when tossed into the air by a bison bull at Yellowstone National Park.
Park staff said the incident happened Monday afternoon after a group of roughly 50 visitors came within 5-10 feet of the bull near the Observation Point Trail not far from the Old Faithful Geyser. The bison tolerated the crowding for about 20 minutes before charging the onlookers and tossing the girl into the air, according to witnesses.
The girl's family, from Odessa, took her to the Old Faithful Lodge, where she received initial care from medical providers, and then was taken to the Old Faithful Clinic for a more thorough checkup before she was released.
Rangers were said to still be investigating the incident Tuesday.
Each year some visitors at Yellowstone approach bison too closely and are injured, some seriously, when charged. Yellowstone staff continually try to remind visitors that the park's wildlife can be dangerous and that they need to keep their distances. Park regulations say visitors should stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, deer and coyotes, and at least 100 yards from wolves and bears.
Comments
Lynda, I agree with you totally!
I do not understand. We just weny to Glacier and also the National Bison Reserve and were told that if an animal is in the area stay in your car. We also had some lady state that the mountain goat at Logan pass was not wild but a pet because it had a collar on. Yeah a traking collar.
We went to 7 NP this summer, including Yellowstone. We saw some pretty amazing scenery, animals, and beauty. But, we also some pretty stupid people approach wildlife and take unnecessary risks for photos and selfies. Lots of close calls.
However, the best thing we saw at the parks was a sign that read, "your safety is your responsibility" and that same phrase was mentioned on the Zion Shuttle recordings. Nothing could be more true.
There is a video circulating on Facebook. It may help your investigation.
Where were the parents?
These are wild animals and to treated as such.
Respect them, admire them, but stay out of their area.
The parents are,the problem!
Read 'Death in Yellowstone' for an incredible chronicle of all the deaths in the park, and the many lawsuits that followed attempting to hold the park responsible for very bad judgment. Its fascinating
I agree with Lynda, ban them from all NP's for a defined period of time (minimum 1 year). This would help a little with the overcrowding and reduce the stupid people who think the rules don't apply to them.