Yellowstone tourist gets instant karma after getting too close to bison: ‘[They] are extremely protective’

A resurfaced incident involving a Yellowstone National Park bison attack from June 2022 is gaining attention online as viewers react to yet another reminder of how quickly encounters with wildlife can become dangerous when people get too close.

ABC News reported The incident at the time details how a bull bison gored a 71-year-old woman while she was visiting the park – the third bison attack in Yellowstone that year.

According to park officials, the woman and her daughter were walking to their vehicle at Storm Point near Yellowstone Lake when they accidentally approached the animal, causing it to attack. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital in nearby Cody, Wyoming.

The story continues to circulate online as an example of how easily visitors can misjudge the behavior of wild animals, especially during busy seasons.

Saritas impulse Visitors must stay at least 25 feet away from bison and other large animals. Although bison appear calm, they are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.

“Mother bisons are extremely protective of their calves in the spring, and bulls can be more aggressive in July and August,” said Dennis Jorgensen, World Wildlife Fund bison program manager. said ABC News.

Yellowstone reportedly reported additional bison-related injuries in 2024 and 2025, often linked to visitors approaching the animals too closely for photos or videos.

Beyond the danger to humans, these encounters can also endanger wildlife. Animals that harm humans may be euthanized—even if provoked—and healthy animals may be removed from protected ecosystems due to human behavior.

Commentators responds ABC News’ news on Facebook emphasized that the responsibility lies with the visitors, not the wildlife.

“I don’t understand why such simple rules are being broken, these are wild animals and you are driving in their home,” one person said.

Another commenter wrote: “Rules are for Humans to follow. These animals are doing what comes naturally, their instincts, this is their home and humans should respect these wonderful creatures.”

“This is their habitat. Give animals space and respect,” a third user added.

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