A 72-year-old grandfather was tossed into the air by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, in an incident captured on video that has renewed warnings about keeping a safe distance from wildlife.
What Happened
The man, identified as John Smith of Bozeman, Montana, was walking with a group of tourists on a boardwalk near the Old Faithful geyser when the bison charged. Video shows the animal suddenly lunging at the group, tossing Smith several feet into the air before he landed on the ground. Park rangers responded within minutes and transported Smith to a nearby clinic, where he was treated for bruises and a possible rib fracture. His injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Park Regulations and Warnings
Yellowstone National Park requires visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison, elk, and other large animals. Park officials say the man was within that distance when the incident occurred. "This serves as a stark reminder that wildlife in Yellowstone is wild and unpredictable," said park spokesperson Linda Veress. "Visitors must give animals space and follow park rules to ensure their safety and the safety of the animals."
Bison Attacks on the Rise
According to park statistics, bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, with an average of one to two incidents per year. Since 1980, there have been over 40 bison-related injuries in the park. Most occur when visitors approach too closely for photographs or selfies. In 2015, a woman was gored by a bison after approaching it for a photo, and in 2019, a man was seriously injured when he ignored warnings and got too close.
Park officials emphasize that bison can run up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) and are unpredictable. They advise visitors to use binoculars or zoom lenses for close-up views.
Public Reaction
The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking debate about visitor behavior in national parks. Many commenters expressed sympathy for the victim but also criticized the crowd for failing to maintain distance. "It's sad that someone got hurt, but people need to respect the wildlife," wrote one user. Others called for stricter enforcement of park rules, including fines for those who approach animals too closely.
