CNN – A Minnesota woman was severely injured by a bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota, according to the National Park Service.
It’s the second instance of a bison injuring a person in the past week. A bison gored a 47-year-old Arizona woman Monday morning in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
In the wake of the two incidents involving national park guests within days of each other, the National Park Service has issued a warning that bison can be easily agitated during mating season.
“Bulls can be aggressive during the rutting season, mid-July through August. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time,” the park service said.
NPS said the exact details of what happened to the Minnesota woman are so far unknown, but the July 15 incident at Painted Canyon is under investigation.
“Park staff send their sincere well wishes to her and her family as she continues to receive care and recover,” NPS said in a news release.
Park rangers and the Billings County Sheriff and Emergency Medical Services responded to the Painted Canyon Trailhead around 11 a.m. and treated the woman until she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. She was then taken to a hospital in Fargo for “significant injuries to her abdomen and foot” … READ MORE.
Yellowstone uses humorous poster to advise against petting bison
August 15, 2019
CODY – For the people who still don’t get it, the National Park Service recently spelled out – for the zillionth time in the zillionth way – the stern, common-sense advice to avoid approaching bison as if they are the family dog.
Your close, homebody pal loves it when you pet it. Bison, not so much. The thing to remember – bison are wild.
It is apparently not enough that visitors to the Park are handed a flyer at entrances containing a multi-language, colored-paper warning with the illustration of a bison tossing a human being into the air with its horns.
That is known as a hint to stay clear. That is known as a great big “Watch out!” message.
The Park Service wishes people would not approach within 100 yards of a big 1,500-pound-to-2,000-pound brute like that.
It’s for visitors’ own good – for their own benefit. It’s so they can stay safe. Bison can sprint as fast as Usain Bolt. They may look as friendly as your dog, but up close and personal they are not and may well head-butt you … READ MORE.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
Visitor Injured by Bison at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Date: July 18, 2023
MEDORA, ND: A female visitor from Minnesota was severely injured by a bison at Painted Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, July 15. She was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Dickinson and was last reported to be in serious but stable condition. Park staff send their sincere well wishes to her and her family as she continues to receive care and recover.
At about 11:00 a.m. MDT, park staff were notified of the incident, which took place at the Painted Canyon Trailhead. Park Rangers and Billings County Sheriff and Emergency Medical Services responded and treated the patient at the scene until she could be taken by ambulance to Dickinson for further medical care. The patient was then transported to a hospital in Fargo. The woman sustained significant injuries to her abdomen and foot. The incident is still under investigation and the exact details of what occurred are not known at this time.
Park staff would like to remind visitors that bison are large, powerful, and wild. They can turn quickly and can easily outrun humans. Bulls can be aggressive during the rutting season, mid-July through August. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time. Park regulations require that visitors stay at least 25 yards (the length of two full-sized busses) away from large animals such as bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and horses. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.
National Parks are generally safe places and many people visit every year without incident, but visitors must make themselves aware of potential hazards. National Park staff is happy to assist with trip planning, and information is available at visitor centers and on individual park websites.
For more information about safety at Theodore Roosevelt National Park visit https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/safety.htm
