The agency noted that the bison was “apparently defending its space.”
An 83-year-old woman was “seriously injured” after being gored by a wild bison in Yellowstone National Park, officials said Monday.
The woman, from Greenville, South Carolina, was visiting the park on June 1 when a bison came within a few feet of her and lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns, according to a news release of the National Park Service.
The agency noted that the bison was “apparently defending its space” during the incident.
Park rescue workers transported the woman to the Lake Medical Clinic, where she was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Authorities noted that the woman suffered “serious injuries” during the encounter, but did not provide further details on her current condition.
The incident occurred near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake, according to the National Park Service.
The National Park Service has advised anyone visiting the area to “stay away from wildlife if they approach you,” adding that it is visitors’ responsibility to “obey safety and security regulations.” ‘observe wildlife from a safe distance’.
Individuals should stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, according to officials, who note that people should stay away 100 meters from bears and wolves.
The National Park Service said bison have injured more people in the park than any other animal, calling them “unpredictable” and noting that they can run three times faster than humans.
“Bison are not aggressive animals but will defend their space when threatened,” the agency said.