A Florida man is currently recuperating after a rather alarming encounter with a bison at Yellowstone National Park this week.
This incident serves as yet another reminder that some individuals might benefit from a yearly refresher course on wildlife etiquette. Astonishingly, many visitors to national parks seem to harbor the misconception that bison are gentle giants, akin to oversized pet dogs. However, the reality is that these animals can weigh as much as an automobile and boast remarkable speed. They are, after all, wild creatures, notorious for their unpredictable behavior.
A fully grown bison possesses the capability to fatally injure a human if it chooses to do so.
The Daily Caller has further elaborated:
Bison Gores Tourist At Yellowstone National Park
A bison gored a 47-year-old tourist from Florida on Sunday at Yellowstone National Park after the man approached the animal too closely.
The tourist received treatment from emergency medical personnel for what were described as minor injuries, according to a press release from Yellowstone authorities.
This incident is currently under investigation, marking the first recorded bison attack on a human in 2025. The previous year, there were two such incidents, and one in 2023.
“Always maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from bison,” Yellowstone park officials advised in their press release. They further recommended a similar distance for all large wildlife, and a staggering 100 yards from wolves and bears.
“Bison will defend their territory when they feel threatened and have caused more injuries to humans in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than the average human,” the press release stated.
Reactions on Twitter/X were swift and, unsurprisingly, rather pointed:
If you get this close to a bison to get a photo, you’re so stupid, you deserve to die.
“Bison Gores Florida Man in Yellowstone National Park”
Humans often perceive wildlife as mere entertainment. Most view these creatures not as sentient beings, but as props for our amusement. pic.twitter.com/BjkYuhRL2v
— art4cc (@ArtForCC) May 8, 2025
People. Don’t pet the bison. You’re welcome. https://t.co/qixmkMcyCf
— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) May 8, 2025
In which Nature weeds out the Stupid.
“Florida Man Is First Bison Goring Of The Season At Yellowstone National Park” https://t.co/ydfrOjMKp6
— Phineas Fahrquar (@irishspy) May 7, 2025
Perhaps what Yellowstone really needs is larger warning signs, boldly reminding visitors that wild animals with horns weighing in at thousands of pounds are best admired from a safe distance.
