Boise Woman Attacked By a Bison in Yellowstone National Park
A 72-year-old Boise woman was head-butted, pushed and thrown from a trail by a bison Tuesday (5/1/18) afternoon near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. Bison attacks have happened in the park six times since 2015, but this is the first such incident this year.
In a story first reported by our sister station k2Radio in Wyoming, Virginia Junk of Boise, suffered minor injuries after being attacked by the Bison while walking on a path near Old Faithful Geyser. Park rangers responded to the scene where they treated Junk, then had her transported by ambulance to Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, Idaho.
According to the National Park Service, “Junk did not see the animal as she walked around a bend in a trail in the Old Faithful area. She wasn't able to move away before the animal dropped its head, butted her in the thigh, then pushed and tossed her off the trail.”
No citations were issued as a result of the incident.
When dealing with wildlife in the park, the Park Service gives this advice:
- Animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
- Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife.