Bison Severely Injures Visitor in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This news story about a bison goring in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is based on a July 18, 2023, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
A recent bison goring in Theodore Roosevelt National Park serves as yet another reminder to visitors that animals in national parks are wild and potentially extremely dangerous.
A couple of days before a bison charged and gored a female visitor in Yellowstone, a woman got seriously injured by a bison at Theodore Roosevelt.
Both incidents are under investigation and precise details remain unknown at this time.
Minnesota Woman Gored by Bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
“A female visitor from Minnesota was severely injured by a bison at Painted Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, July 15,” the park said in a press statement.
At about 11:00 am local time, park staff were notified of the incident, which took place at the Painted Canyon Trailhead.
Park Rangers and Billings County Sheriff and Emergency Medical Services responded and treated the patient at the scene until she could be taken by ambulance to Dickinson for further medical care.
The woman, who sustained “significant injuries to her abdomen and foot,” was then transported to a hospital in Fargo. She was last reported to be in serious but stable condition.
Park staff send their sincere well wishes to her and her family as she continues to receive care and recover, the statement said.
The incident is still under investigation and the exact details of what occurred are not known at this time.
Bison Safety in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park staff reminded visitors that bison are large, powerful, and wild. They can turn quickly and can easily outrun humans.
Bulls can be aggressive during the rutting season, mid-July through August. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time.
Park regulations require that visitors stay at least 25 yards (the length of two full-sized busses) away from large animals such as bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and horses. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.
Learn more about how to stay safe in bison country here.
National parks are generally safe places and many people visit every year without incident, but visitors must make themselves aware of potential hazards. National park staff is happy to assist with trip planning, and information is available at visitor centers and on individual park websites.
For more information about safety at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you can visit https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/safety.htm
