What should have been a nice adventure at Yellowstone’s majestic landscapes turned into a nightmare when a bison gored a Florida man.
As the park’s summer season kicks off, the first bison encounter of the year serves as a stark reminder of the park’s wildlife dangers.
What happened to this Florida man is both a cautionary and an educational tale.
Specifically, a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison, marking 2025’s first recorded incident of its kind in Yellowstone National Park.
This dangerous encounter occurred in the Lake Village area, a popular spot with cabins and campsites on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.
The victim sustained only minor injuries, a fortunate outcome considering the size and strength of the American bison.
Weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing six feet tall, these creatures can run up to 35 mph, much faster than even the best human sprinter.
Yellowstone attracts thousands of visitors every year, all eager to witness the park’s natural wonders.
However, bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.
Previous incidents include a significantly injured woman from Arizona in 2023 and an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina who was gored in 2024.
“Don’t get too close to wildlife.” Park officials have continually stressed this message.
It remains vital that visitors respect park regulations, which mandate a distance of at least 25 yards from large animals like bison.
Visitors should remember that bison are as impressive as they are unpredictable.
They became the season’s first attackers only weeks after road plowing signaled the start of summer activities. Last year, Yellowstone drew a staggering 4.7 million tourists.
Efforts to educate tourists on safety protocols continue. Reminding guests to stand back if an animal approaches ensures the safety of both them and the wildlife they are eager to see.
The park balances protecting these natural environments while providing for the safety of visitors every year.
Ultimately, these thrilling yet sometimes dangerous encounters should serve as reminders to respect the wildlife’s natural behavior and habitats: watch but do not touch.
Respect and caution remain key allies for anyone exploring Yellowstone’s untamed beauty.
