Yellowstone Horror: Bison Charges Tourists, Tossing 9-Year-Old Girl into the Air
A terrifying encounter at Yellowstone National Park serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of approaching wildlife after a bull bison charged a group of tourists, violently throwing a 9-year-old girl into the air.
The harrowing incident, which was captured on video by other park visitors, occurred near the famous Old Faithful geyser. According to witness accounts and statements from the National Park Service, a group of approximately 50 tourists had gathered near the bison, which was grazing near a footpath. For at least 20 minutes, the group remained dangerously close to the animal—some within 5 to 10 feet—despite park regulations and clear warnings.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bison suddenly became agitated by the proximity of the crowd. It turned and charged directly into the group. In the ensuing chaos, a 9-year-old girl from Odessa, Florida, was caught in the animal’s path. The bison struck her, launching her several feet into the air before she fell back to the ground.
Her family rushed her to the Old Faithful Lodge, where she was assessed by park emergency medical staff. She was later transported to the Old Faithful Clinic and was subsequently released. Miraculously, her injuries were not life-threatening.
Park officials immediately responded to the incident, using it as a critical teaching moment about wildlife safety. In a statement, Yellowstone’s Senior Bison Biologist, Chris Geremia, emphasized the unpredictable nature of the park’s animals. “This was a teachable moment,” he said. “Bison are wild animals. They are not docile, and they are not tame.”
Yellowstone National Park has strict regulations in place to prevent such encounters:
- Visitors must stay more than 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes.
- Visitors must stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves.
This incident is not an isolated one. Each year, several visitors are injured by bison in Yellowstone, typically after getting too close. Bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of 35 miles per hour, are deceptively agile. They are responsible for more injuries to humans in Yellowstone than any other animal.
The proliferation of smartphones and the desire for the perfect “selfie” has exacerbated the problem, with many visitors ignoring rules to get a close-up photo. Officials stress that these animals’ temperaments can change in an instant, and no photo is worth risking serious injury or death.
The message from park rangers is clear and urgent: Yellowstone is not a zoo. The animals that roam its vast landscapes are wild and command respect. The survival of both the park’s iconic wildlife and the safety of its millions of visitors depends on maintaining a safe and respectful distance. This frightening event underscores the serious consequences when that boundary is crossed.
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