You are here

Home » Updated | 9-Year-Old Survives Being Tossed Into Air By Yellowstone Bison

Updated | 9-Year-Old Survives Being Tossed Into Air By Yellowstone Bison

Share

Published Date

July 24, 2019
A young Florida girl learned the hard way that while bison might appear docile, they can quickly charge you/NPS, Jacob W. Frank

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.

Related Stories:

Genetic Analysis Shows Just One Interbreeding Bison Population In Yellowstone National Park
What Does The EXPLORE Act Mean For Wilderness Areas?
Any Future Eruption Of The Yellowstone Caldera Likely To Occur Along Northeastern Edge

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.

Comments

Submitted by Catherine on July 23, 2019 - 9:30pm.

Lynda, I agree with you totally!


Submitted by Steve Seyler on July 23, 2019 - 9:38pm.

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.


Submitted by Wonder Mont on July 23, 2019 - 11:17pm.

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.


Submitted by Charlie Petrick on July 24, 2019 - 12:53am.

There is a video circulating on Facebook.  It may help your investigation.


Submitted by Patti on July 24, 2019 - 1:03am.

Where were the parents?

These are wild animals and to treated as such. 

Respect  them, admire them, but stay out of their area. 


Submitted by Anonymous on July 24, 2019 - 7:21am.

The parents are,the problem!


Submitted by Annie on July 24, 2019 - 7:42am.

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


Submitted by Bill on July 24, 2019 - 8:09am.

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. 


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.