Yellowstone National Park officially reopened for the summer season just two weeks ago, and as expected, tourists from across the country have started flocking to one of America’s most iconic natural reserves. While the park is a haven for wildlife lovers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, it also comes with its own risks—particularly when safety rules are ignored.
This week, the National Park Service (NPS) confirmed the first bison goring incident of 2025. A 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison after he approached the animal too closely in the Lake Village area of the park around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. Though the man sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency personnel, the incident serves as a fresh reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife encounters when park rules are disregarded.
Bison Are Not Typically Aggressive—But They Will Defend Their Space
According to officials from Yellowstone and the NPS, bison are not naturally aggressive animals. However, like many wild animals, they are highly territorial and will defend their space when they feel threatened. Bison in Yellowstone can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them one of the most dangerous large animals in the park—especially if provoked.
In this particular incident, it’s believed that the man ignored the safety regulations that require visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from large animals such as bison, elk, and moose, and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves. Officials reported that the man approached the bison far too closely, prompting the animal to respond with a defensive goring.
“This could have been much worse,” said a spokesperson for the park. “We’ve seen people sustain life-threatening injuries in past incidents, and every year, we strongly urge visitors to respect the wildlife and follow all posted safety rules.”
A Growing Pattern of Bison Attacks in Yellowstone National Park
While this is the first bison goring case of 2025, it is far from the first such event in Yellowstone’s recent history. Bison goring incidents are reported nearly every year, often due to human error or neglect of park safety rules.
In 2024, a particularly troubling series of incidents occurred. In May, a man was injured after he kicked a bison in the leg—a foolish and illegal act that led to his arrest. He was treated for minor injuries before being taken into custody. Just a month later, an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina was seriously injured after a bison gored her and lifted her off the ground with its horns. She had reportedly wandered too close to the animal, ignoring clearly posted warnings.
Similarly, in 2023, a 47-year-old woman was gored in the same Lake Village area where this year’s incident occurred. She sustained serious chest and abdominal injuries and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.
These recurring incidents highlight a concerning pattern: visitors continue to underestimate the risks of approaching wildlife in Yellowstone, despite ample warnings.
Yellowstone’s Bison Population and Safety Rules
Yellowstone is home to the largest free-roaming population of bison in the United States, with approximately 5,400 animals currently residing in the park. These majestic creatures are a major attraction for visitors, but they are not domesticated or tame. They are wild animals living in a protected, natural habitat, and treating them as photo opportunities or zoo animals is both dangerous and disrespectful.
To ensure the safety of both people and wildlife, the NPS has put in place strict guidelines. Visitors are instructed to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large animals such as bison, elk, moose, and deer. For bears and wolves, a greater distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters) is mandated. These guidelines are not suggestions—they are essential rules for coexisting with wildlife in the park.
Despite the presence of large, clear signboards throughout the park emphasizing these rules, violations continue to occur.
Why Bison Are More Likely to Gore Than Other Animals
It may come as a surprise to many, but bison are responsible for more injuries to park visitors than any other animal in Yellowstone. They appear calm and slow-moving, which can mislead people into approaching them. However, bison are fast, strong, and easily provoked when they feel their personal space is being invaded.
Unlike predators such as bears and wolves, bison do not seek out humans or attack unless provoked. Most goring incidents occur when a person gets too close, whether for a photo, a better view, or simply out of carelessness.
“They are not aggressive by nature,” said a Yellowstone ranger, “but they are protective of their space. If you enter that space, you’re asking for trouble.”
Education and Responsibility in Yellowstone National Park
Every summer, the NPS runs campaigns to educate the public on the dos and don’ts of wildlife safety. Rangers give daily talks, distribute flyers, and make announcements reminding people of the rules. Still, these efforts fall short when individuals make impulsive or irresponsible choices.
“It’s not a zoo,” said one park ranger. “These animals aren’t behind glass. You are a visitor in their home, and you have to act like it.”
Park authorities are urging all future visitors to take these lessons seriously. Not only do such incidents put human lives at risk, but they can also lead to tragic outcomes for the animals. In some cases, animals involved in aggressive encounters with humans may be relocated or even euthanized if deemed a continuing threat.
Conclusion: A Call for Respect and Caution
The goring of a 47-year-old Florida man by a bison in Yellowstone’s Lake Village area is a stark reminder that nature, while beautiful, must be respected. As more people head to national parks for recreation and adventure, it becomes even more vital that they understand the risks of interacting with wildlife.
Bison, like all wild animals, deserve to live undisturbed in their natural habitat. Tourists and visitors have a responsibility to follow park rules, stay alert, and prioritize safety over thrill. Yellowstone is a sanctuary not just for people, but for the incredible animals that live within it.
By maintaining a respectful distance, following posted signs, and listening to park rangers, we can ensure that Yellowstone remains a safe place for both humans and wildlife.
