A close encounter with wildlife at America's oldest national park resulted in a frightening experience for one Florida visitor.

According to the New York Post, a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida was gored and lifted off the ground by a bison at Yellowstone National Park's Lake Village area on Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. when the tourist approached too close to the massive animal near the cabins, lodges, and campsites along Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming. Park officials reported that while the man was hooked by the bison's horns and lifted into the air, he fortunately escaped with only minor injuries.

Growing Pattern of Dangerous Wildlife Encounters

This marks the first bison-related incident of 2025 at Yellowstone, following multiple similar encounters in previous years. In 2024, park officials dealt with a particularly concerning case involving an Idaho man who allegedly kicked a bison in the leg while under the influence of alcohol. The provocative action resulted in the bison attacking the man, leading to criminal charges for both DUI and wildlife disturbance.

Last year witnessed at least two serious bison attacks, including a severe incident involving an 83-year-old South Carolina woman. The elderly visitor sustained serious injuries after the animal used its horns to lift her approximately one foot off the ground during the encounter.

Park officials have consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances from wildlife, particularly given the unpredictable nature of these powerful animals. Bison, capable of running three times faster than humans, have earned the distinction of causing more visitor injuries in Yellowstone than any other animal species.

Critical Safety Guidelines for Park Visitors

The National Park Service maintains strict guidelines regarding wildlife observation distances to ensure visitor safety. Park authorities have issued clear directives for guests to maintain specific minimum distances from various park animals.

According to park officials:

It is your responsibility to stay more than 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 will defend their space when threatened and have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.

These safety regulations exist for good reason, as demonstrated by the recurring incidents involving visitors who fail to maintain appropriate distances from wildlife. Lake Village, where the recent goring occurred, is particularly known for its frequent bison presence, making adherence to safety protocols especially crucial in this area.

Understanding Bison Behavior and Prevention Measures

Wildlife experts emphasize that understanding bison behavior is crucial for preventing dangerous encounters. These massive creatures, while appearing docile, are wild animals that require respect and space. Their protective instincts become particularly heightened when they feel their territory is being encroached upon.

Rangers continuously work to educate visitors about wildlife safety through various channels, including informational sessions, warning signs, and direct communication. The park's educational efforts focus on helping visitors recognize warning signs of agitated wildlife and understanding the importance of maintaining safe observation distances.

The park's commitment to both wildlife preservation and visitor safety requires a delicate balance, particularly in areas where human activities and wildlife habitats overlap significantly. This recent incident serves as another reminder of the importance of responsible wildlife viewing practices.