A 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison at Yellowstone National Park on June 10. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. local time in the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful, part of the Mammoth Hot Springs area in Wyoming, according to a National Park Service (NPS) press release.
The attack happened when a large group of visitors approached the bison, prompting the animal to charge. Emergency personnel treated the injured visitor on-site. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. No additional injuries were reported.
This event marks the second bison-related goring at Yellowstone in 2025. Previously, a visitor from Florida was attacked in the Lake Village area on May 7. Bison incidents are not uncommon at the park, with two attacks reported in 2024 and another in 2023.
The NPS emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries, noting that bison have caused more injuries to visitors in Yellowstone than any other animal. Visitors are reminded to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from large animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes, and at least 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars.
Bison are known to defend their territory aggressively when threatened. The NPS warns that these animals are unpredictable and capable of running three times faster than humans. Visitors are advised to avoid close encounters by turning away and retreating if an animal approaches.
Signs of an imminent bison charge include bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing the ground, bellowing, or snorting. In the event of a charge, visitors should immediately move away on foot or run and may use bear spray to deter the animal.
While the injuries in the 2025 incidents were minor, a serious attack in 2024 left an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina severely injured after being lifted off the ground by a bison.
In addition to the danger posed to humans, visitors also threaten the welfare of Yellowstone’s wildlife. In 2023, a bison calf was euthanized after being rescued from the Lamar River by a visitor, which led to its herd rejecting the animal. The NPS highlighted that approaching wild animals can harm their well-being and survival.
Officials continue to stress that both human and animal safety depend on visitors exercising good judgment and adhering to park guidelines.
