Photo Credit: Getty Images
A New Jersey man's dream visit to Yellowstone National Park took a wild and horned turn when he was gored by a bison earlier this month. It happened on June 10, proving once again that the park's giant fluffy icons are not to be mistaken for oversized cows with good manners.
According to Yellowstone's official report, the 30-year-old from Randolph, New Jersey, sustained minor injuries after approaching the bison too closely near the Old Faithful geyser area. Park rangers swiftly responded and transported the injured man for treatment, though the psychological bruise of being headbutted by a one-ton national treasure might linger longer than the physical ones.
This encounter marks the fifth bison-related incident since 2023. These include a 47-year-old Floridian and an 83-year-old South Carolinian—both of whom were similarly launched by irritable bison who clearly had no patience for selfies or unsolicited proximity.
Yellowstone's warnings, it seems, are about as ignored as the "terms and conditions" section of a software update. Despite signs screaming "Stay 25 yards away from bison!" some visitors seem convinced that nature's rules do not apply if they're holding an iPhone. Park authorities have reminded the public once again that bison can run three times faster than humans and are not known for their sense of humor.
The bison, described by park officials as "not aggressive" but willing to defend their personal space, has become the reluctant star of a recurring story where the antagonist is almost always a tourist with poor judgment. Online commentators couldn't help but chime in. One said, "Don't pet the fluffy cows," while another wondered aloud if the warning signs were just for decoration.
Social media reactions ranged from jokes to outright disbelief, as Yellowstone's social feeds became a digital therapy group for park rangers everywhere. The message remains unchanged: 25 yards from bison, 100 yards from wolves, bears, and cougars. Yellowstone is not a zoo, and the animals didn't audition to be background extras in a vacation reel.
As investigations continue into this latest goring, one can only hope that visitors get the message before another person becomes a part of the park's unofficial running-of-the-bison tradition. Until then, it's best to keep a safe distance—or risk learning firsthand just how fast a bison can change your travel plans.
