A 47-year-old Florida man was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park—marking the park’s first wildlife injury of 2025 and triggering renewed warnings about the dangers of getting too close to wild animals.
At a Glance
- Incident occurred May 4, 2025, in Yellowstone’s Lake Village area
- The man from Cape Coral, Florida, suffered minor injuries
- It’s the first reported bison-related injury in Yellowstone this year
- Bison injure more people than any other animal in the park
- Officials stress keeping 25 yards away from bison, 100 yards from bears and wolves
A Dangerous Encounter in Lake Village
According to the National Park Service, the man was gored at approximately 3:15 p.m. near Yellowstone Lake’s Lake Village area. Emergency responders treated him for minor injuries on-site. Though his injuries were not life-threatening, officials say the incident highlights a persistent safety issue at the park.
Bison are the largest land animals in North America, weighing up to 2,000 pounds and capable of running 35 mph. The NPS notes they’ve “injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal,” mostly because visitors ignore distance regulations.
Watch a report: Florida man gored by bison at Yellowstone.
Recurring Incidents
This is not Yellowstone’s first bison-related injury. In June 2024, an 83-year-old woman was seriously injured after approaching a bison near the Storm Point Trail. Park authorities say such incidents are common despite clear warnings.
The ABC News report quotes park officials as reminding visitors that “wild animals can be aggressive if people don’t respect their space.” They reiterate that guests must stay at least 25 yards from large animals like bison, elk, and moose, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Importance of Safe Wildlife Viewing
As the 2025 tourist season gets underway—Yellowstone saw 4.7 million visitors in 2024—officials are urging increased caution. Yellowstone is home to roughly 5,000 bison, and interactions, especially during mating and calving seasons, can quickly become dangerous.
Touching or attempting to “rescue” baby bison can lead to their rejection by the herd and result in euthanasia, a tragic consequence of human interference. According to the Independent, rangers often have to intervene when visitors fail to respect these boundaries.
As the NPS puts it plainly: “Don’t get too close to wildlife.”
