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Tourists getting gored by a Yellowstone bison is an entirely preventable phenomenon. Yellowstone National Park, one of our country’s most prized natural jewels, requires all tourists stay 75 yards (225ft) away from all large animals including bison but every year tourists break that rule and learn the hard way what happens when you mess with wildlife.
This incident occurred at the end of last weekend, according to Yellowstone Park rangers. The tourist was a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida (basically Ft. Myers) which isn’t too far south from where I’m at here in SW Florida.
This individual was gored by the Yellowstone bison which lifted him off the ground using its horns, according to the reports, but somehow they escaped with only minor injuries. For context, a male bison in Yellowstone National Park can weigh up to 2,000 pounds while the females can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
These massive bison can also comfortably run at speeds of up to 35 mph, far exceeding what we are capable of as humans, hence the 75-yard/225ft recommendation. But inevitably, tourists ignore the park’s rules year after year and end up getting gored by bison at Yellowstone.
According to the report published by the NPS, this Florida Man who got gored by the Yellowstone bison is the first such incident of the year. There were two reported incidents last year of a tourist getting gored and one the year before. With this incident occurring in the first few days of May it seems tourists are getting a jump start on the ‘FAFO’ tour of Yellowstone this year.
Tourist Gored By A Yellowstone Bison, Park Releases Safety Tips
These safety tips are prominently displayed to Yellowstone National Park visitors. It would be virtually impossible for a visitor to the park to somehow not be given this information.
Even still, Yellowstone NP shared these tips in their report after the tourist was gored:
— Wild animals can be aggressive if people don’t respect their space. It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves. If wildlife approach you, move away to always maintain these safe viewing distances.
— Bison will defend their space when threatened and have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
Also, don’t panic:
Ultimately, if you follow the safety guidance of park rangers you will be fine. Don’t get too close to wild animals. That’s a no-brainer.
Content shared from brobible.com.