A visit to Yellowstone National Park turned haunting last week when tourists watched a bison plunge into a near-boiling hot spring, ultimately killing the animal within minutes.

The bison’s fatal fall into the Grand Prismatic Spring was witnessed by park visitors as the animal struggled to escape the scalding waters before succumbing to the extreme temperatures, as the New York Post reports.

The incident occurred at the Midway Geyser Basin, an area known for its stunning geothermal activity located near the park’s famous Old Faithful geyser. Last week, amid summer crowds, two bison wandered perilously close to the edge of the Grand Prismatic Spring. One of the animals lost its footing and stumbled into the unstable ground along the basin, ultimately falling into the spring itself.

Louise Howard, who had been visiting Yellowstone for the first time, stood nearby when the accident unfolded. Initially seeing it as an opportunity to photograph the iconic wildlife, she quickly realized something had gone terribly wrong. "There were two bison there," she told CBS News. "I thought it was a great photo opportunity."

As the bison stepped too close to a fragile portion of the geothermal area, the thin ground evidently gave way beneath its weight. It thrashed as it tried to recover, but the animal could not regain its footing. “As hard as it tried, it couldn’t get out,” Howard added, recounting how the animal teetered before falling into the spring’s depths.

Temperatures prove fatal

The Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s largest and among its hottest geothermal features, with sections of the water reaching temperatures of up to 192 degrees Fahrenheit. Situated at high elevation, the boiling point in the park is about 200 degrees -- just slightly hotter than the spring itself. These extreme temperatures severely limited the bison's chances of survival.

Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, later confirmed that the bison died quickly. "The animal died fairly quickly," he said. Although the spring also contains acidic properties, Poland clarified that the bison's death was due to heat, not chemical burns.

In trying to escape, the animal apparently drifted into an even hotter zone within the spring, accelerating fatal injuries. The intense heat rapidly began to break down the bison’s body tissue. "This bison carcass is basically sitting in a pool of nearly boiling water," Poland explained. He added that the water will eventually consume all the tissue, leaving only bones behind.

Park officials explain well-known nature of risks

While shocking for spectators, such incidents are tragically not unusual at Yellowstone. Bison and other wildlife commonly roam near thermal features, often navigating dangerously close to the edges in search of food or better footing. The ground surrounding the pools, although appearing solid, frequently consists of thin crusts that can collapse under pressure.

The Lower Geyser Basin, another geothermal region of the park, is home to a pool ominously nicknamed “Skeleton Pool.” The name comes from the number of animal remains discovered there, highlighting the risk Yellowstone’s geothermal features pose not only to humans but also to wildlife.

This recent bison death took place during one of the busiest times of year for the park. Higher foot traffic, an uptick in wildlife visibility, and unpredictable interactions often create a volatile mix.

Just in the past two months, separate incidents saw two tourists gored by bison after getting too close. Fortunately, both individuals survived with only minor injuries.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Respect wildlife from a distance. Yellowstone advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from animals like bison. While their slow pace may seem harmless, they can act unpredictably, especially if provoked or frightened.

2. Stay on designated trails in geothermal areas. The park’s geysers and hot springs may look peaceful, but their surrounding terrain can be hazardous. Crusts around geothermal basins are thin and can collapse under the weight of both animals and people.

3. Never assume you're safe just because others are nearby. Crowded areas might feel secure, but each step counts. While the public can take precautions, it's crucial to remember that unpredictable events, like animal behavior or shifting ground, can still pose serious threats. No one is ever at fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but knowledge and caution can reduce risks.

Why this story matters

This story underscores how dangerous interactions between wildlife and Yellowstone’s geothermal features can be, even during peaceful tourist visits. It highlights the responsibility of both park visitors and officials to ensure safety for humans and animals alike. By understanding and respecting the park’s terrain, we help preserve not only lives but the integrity of one of America’s most unique natural wonders.

Yellowstone remains one of the most visited national parks in the country, drawing in millions each year. The combination of fragile geothermal landscapes and roaming wildlife creates an environment where accidents can quickly become tragedies. As this recent incident demonstrates, the natural beauty of the park also demands a deep respect for its hazards.

Ultimately, this tragic event is a stark reminder of the inherent risks of nature. Tourists like Louise Howard, who expected adventure and awe, were instead faced with the devastating reality of a bison’s final moments. With warming waters and unpredictable conditions, Yellowstone’s geothermal areas remain as dangerous as they are beautiful.