Woman tests fate by getting too close to a massive bison, faceplants while running away
Woman Hospitalized After Bison Encounter Goes Wrong in Yellowstone National Park
A tourist learned a costly lesson about wildlife safety when an attempt to approach a bison at Yellowstone National Park ended with her falling face-first to the ground as the animal nearby.
The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, occurred recently at the popular Wyoming national park. The footage shows a woman approaching the massive animal before the encounter quickly deteriorated. Witnesses captured the moment she attempted to flee and tumbled to the ground.
"Oh no, she's down," one observer can be heard saying in the video as the bison remains close by.
The woman was subsequently treated for her injuries at a local hospital. Park rangers were notified of the incident, though no additional details about the extent of her injuries have been released.
The video was posted to the Instagram account @touronsofnationalparks, a page dedicated to highlighting risky behavior by visitors to America's national parks. It quickly drew widespread attention and commentary from social media users.
"Help me Ranger Obi Wan, you're my only hope," one commenter wrote.
"Survival skills of a French fry," another observed.
"Even the buffalo is confused," a third user quipped.
Yellowstone park officials have long warned visitors to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, particularly large animals like bison. The creatures, which can weigh in excess of 800 pounds, are known for their unpredictable behavior despite their seemingly docile appearance. Official park guidelines require visitors to remain at least 25 yards away from bison and other large animals at all times.
"Bison are wild animals and as such, their behavior can be unpredictable," according to National Park Service guidance. "Although bison can appear tame, they are dangerous and can cause serious injury or death to people."
The park has recorded numerous incidents involving visitors getting too close to wildlife, prompting repeated safety campaigns. Rangers emphasize that animals in the park have not been domesticated and that human food can alter natural behaviors, making animals more bold and potentially dangerous.
Despite repeated warnings, such incidents continue to occur, with visitors sometimes prioritizing photographs and close encounters over personal safety.
The woman has not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear whether she will face any fines or penalties under federal regulations that prohibit harassment of wildlife in national parks.