FL Man Gored in Shocking Attack at Yellowstone

American Bison. Photo by Jack Dykinga. Public domain.

A spring visit to Yellowstone National Park took a dangerous turn for one Florida man who got too close to one of the park’s most iconic - and unpredictable - animals.

According to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS), a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison on May 4 in the Lake Village area of the park.

The man reportedly approached the animal, breaching the recommended distance. Emergency personnel treated him at the scene for minor injuries.

A Familiar Warning Ignored

Yellowstone officials have long advised visitors to keep a minimum distance of 25 yards from all large animals - including bison, elk, and moose - and 100 yards from bears and wolves. These guidelines aren’t just suggestions; they’re based on decades of wildlife behavior and incident data.

Despite appearing calm, bison are wild animals with immense power and territorial instincts. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, stand 6 feet tall, and sprint at speeds over 30 mph - significantly faster than the average human.

“Bison will defend their space when threatened and have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal,” the NPS emphasized in its public release reported by USA TODAY. “They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.”

Not the First - And Likely Not the Last

This marks the first bison-related injury reported in the park in 2025. Last year, there were two such incidents, including one involving an 83-year-old South Carolina woman who sustained serious injuries near Yellowstone Lake. In a separate 2024 case, an intoxicated man allegedly kicked a bison and was later arrested on several charges, including disturbing wildlife.

While the Florida man’s injuries were minor and he was fortunate to escape without major harm, the incident adds to a growing list of cautionary tales that illustrate the real risks of interacting too closely with Yellowstone’s wildlife.

What Visitors Should Know

Park officials continue to stress that all wildlife encounters - no matter how peaceful they appear - should be handled with extreme caution. If an animal approaches, visitors are urged to back away slowly to maintain safe viewing distances.

Yellowstone welcomed over 4.7 million visitors in 2024. With the busy summer season already underway, the NPS hopes this latest incident will serve as a timely reminder - respect the wildlife, and keep your distance.

References: Florida Man, 47, Gored by Bison in Yellowstone National Park | Man Gored by Bison in Year’s First Attack | Florida Man Gored by Bison in Yellowstone National Park | A Bison Gored Visitor at Yellowstone National Park