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

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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.

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Comments

Submitted by Val earl on July 24, 2019 - 1:14pm.

I once saw parents set their child on an elk and take a picture.  Good grief people, just because an animal isnt running away doesnt mean it's tame.  

 


Submitted by Becky Wheasler on July 24, 2019 - 1:34pm.

I've seen it too. The last time I was out there there was a bus load of people. A middle aged man and a older man got too close but they were lucky the bison was more interested in eating.  He just charged a short distance. I kept telling people to back up but didn't listen. 


Submitted by Anonymous on July 24, 2019 - 2:35pm.

You are so right!!!!


Submitted by David Plume on July 24, 2019 - 2:40pm.

Tourists are getting the memo but are failing to read it. This little girl is extremely lucky!!


Submitted by Observer on July 24, 2019 - 3:34pm.

Hey, at least it looks like she stuck the landing. I'd give her a 7.


Submitted by Rosemary on July 24, 2019 - 4:28pm.

Why didn't the dad or mom stay close to the child? Have her hand or pick her up?

 


Submitted by Harryb3570 on July 24, 2019 - 5:19pm.

The parents should be arrested for child abuse and idiocy. They were lucky the child was not hurt. 


Submitted by Joyce B on July 24, 2019 - 5:53pm.

i spoke to a ranger years ago who worked giving tours of bison in a park in South Dakota. He knew of the danger of getting to close and was constantly trying to get people to keep their distance. Finally he realized it was a losing battle and just came to the realization that it's ok, if people are that stupid they deserve to be taken out of the gene pool. 


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