Yellowstone National Park bison attack leaves 12-year-old hospitalized

A 12-year-old child was hospitalized after sustaining an injury from a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Friday. The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. near Mud Volcano, and the child was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. The severity of the injuries has not been disclosed at this time.

This incident marks the first reported bison attack in Yellowstone in 2026. In the previous year, there were two separate incidents where individuals were gored by bison in May and June. In 2024, there were two reported visitor-bison incidents, with one individual being injured while harassing a bison herd in April, and another person sustaining injuries in June of the same year. In 2023, there was one bison-related injury reported in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance of 25 yards from wildlife, including bison, as close proximity can provoke aggressive behavior in animals. Bison, in particular, have been responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone than any other animal due to their unpredictable nature, ability to run three times faster than humans, and instinct to defend their territory when threatened.

Visitors are advised to back away if an animal approaches them to ensure a safe distance is maintained. Any conflicts with animals should be reported to park authorities for proper handling. Yellowstone National Park has initiated an investigation into the recent bison-related incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the injury.

As visitors continue to explore the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park, it is crucial to respect the wildlife and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent any further incidents with animals.