Florida Man Gored by Bison in Yellowstone National Park

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY – A 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison on Sunday, May 4, 2025, after he approached the animal too closely in the Lake Village area of Yellowstone National Park.

The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. when the man got within a dangerous distance of the bison, prompting the animal to charge. Park officials confirmed that he sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene.

This marks the first reported bison-related injury in Yellowstone for 2025. The National Park Service (NPS) also reported two such incidents in 2024 and one in 2023, highlighting the risks associated with approaching wildlife.

“Bison will defend their space when threatened and have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal,” the NPS stated, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe distance. Park regulations recommend that visitors stay at least 25 yards from bison and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

The American bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and reach speeds of 35 miles per hour, is known for its unpredictability. Due to their territorial nature, they may react aggressively if approached. The park emphasized that wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance.

Previous incidents include a serious goring of an 83-year-old woman near Yellowstone Lake last June and another attack involving an Idaho man who was charged after kicking a bison.

Park officials remind visitors to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, particularly during mating season, when bison are more agitated.