Yellowstone tourist hospitalized after getting too close to bison

An Australian man was hurt after getting too close to a bison near Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday.

“Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run and are unpredictable and dangerous.” — Yellowstone National Park news release

Witnesses said several people were crowding around a bison that was lying in the grass near an asphalt path. The 62-year-old got within 3 to 5 feet of the bison when it charged him. He was tossed into the air several times.

When rangers arrived, the bison was about 100 yards from the victim. The man sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken by ground and air ambulance for medical treatment.

“Visitors are reminded that Yellowstone wildlife is wild. Wildlife should not be approached, no matter how tame or calm they appear,” park officials said in a news release. “When an animal is near a trail or boardwalk, visitors should still give it a wide berth, not approaching closer than the recommended safe distances: 25 yards away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

“Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run and are unpredictable and dangerous. Visitors are advised to always give the animals enough space, even if that means altering their plans to avoid crowding the animal.”

Last month, a 16-year-old girl was gored by a bison in the park while posing for a picture near the animal.