A woman in Ohio was gored and tossed 10 ft into the air by a Bison at Yellowstone National Park on Monday.
According to a news release from the National Park Service, the 25-year-old woman from Grove City, was walking near the boardwalk at Black Sand Basin to approach the Bison when the animal gored her and tossed her 10 feet into the air.
The Park officials reported that the woman sustained “a puncture wound and other injuries,” and was taken via ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
The officials also reported that the incident was the first bison goring this year.
In a statement released by the park, it was revealed that the bison are unpredictable.
Park officials also added that wildlife in Yellowstone are, as the name suggests, wild — and can be erratic and dangerous when approached.
They also revealed that the animals have injured “more people in Yellowstone than any other animal,” and warned the public to not approach as they “can run three times faster than humans.”
The statement also revealed that there were two other people who were also within 25 yards of the same bison when the incident happened. However, authorities did not specify if they sustained any injuries.
Originally, the Park regulations required visitors to remain more than 25 yards away from bison.
In general, visitors and tourists have always been asked to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals including deer, moose, coyotes, elk, bighorn sheep.
Meanwhile, for wolves and bears, visitors are required to maintain at least 100 yards in distance.
“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space.” The agency explained during a press release on Tuesday.
“If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity,” they added.
While the victim is currently recovering, the investigation is still ongoing. No additional information was immediately available.
Bison are reportedly the largest mammals in North America. They can reach the speed of 35 mph (about 56 km/h) when they charge, and are able to jump several feet.
About 2,300 to 5,500 bison live in Yellowstone.
