In one of the most notable examples of what can go wrong when visitors get too close to wildlife, a 2023 Yellowstone National Park bison attack is reoccurring.
The New York Post reported on the incident in July 2023 after a 47-year-old woman visiting from Arizona was mauled in the chest and stomach by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.
According to the National Park Service, the woman and her partner encountered two bison while walking through a field.
Although they reportedly turned to walk away, one of the animals charged, leaving the woman with “significant” injuries that required her to be transported to a regional medical center by helicopter.
While the incident took place in 2023, at the time it sparked strong reactions in the comments section of the article, where readers discussed responsibility, the culture of tourism, and the risks of getting too close to wild animals.
“Every time I see a story like this I don’t feel bad, not even a little bit,” wrote one commenter in response to the report. “I went to Yellowstone years ago and there were literally thousands of signs around the park warning people.”
Yellowstone officials have been urging visitors to keep at least 25 yards away from bison and similar animals.
The timing of the incident is also important: mid-July marks the beginning of the bison breeding season, when the animals can become more unpredictable and aggressive. Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour – much faster than most humans expect.
The discussion has resurfaced amid other more recent wildlife incidents in Yellowstone.
In 2024 and 2025, park officials reported multiple injuries involving bison and elk, often linked to visitors approaching the animals for photos or videos.
Every year, Yellowstone reminds visitors that wildlife encounters are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in the park.
Beyond the risk to people, these encounters can have devastating consequences for wildlife. Animals that hurt humans — whether provoked or not — can be euthanized, to remove healthy animals from ecosystems protected by human behavior.
Commentators with first-hand experience echoed those concerns.
“I worked at Yellowstone NP for two seasons summer and winter. The crazy things I saw tourists do to take a picture was crazy,” wrote one. “Leave the wild animals alone!”
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