A Minnesota woman suffered severe injuries in an encounter with a bison at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, as reported by the National Park Service on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Saturday at a trailhead near the picturesque Painted Canyon, a popular spot in the Badlands. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained significant injuries to her abdomen and foot. She was initially rushed to a hospital in Dickinson, approximately 30 miles east of the site, and later transferred to a Fargo hospital, where she is now listed in serious but stable condition. The National Park Service has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident in North Dakota marks the second bison-related injury in national parks in a matter of days. In a separate occurrence at Yellowstone National Park on Monday, a 47-year-old woman from Phoenix was charged and gored by a bison. She suffered substantial injuries to her chest and abdomen, prompting an emergency evacuation by helicopter to an Idaho Falls hospital. Park officials could not ascertain the proximity between the woman and the bison before the attack, but she was accompanied by another person at the time. They reportedly spotted two bison and attempted to move away, yet one of the animals charged and inflicted injuries. The National Park Service reminds visitors about the dangers of approaching large wildlife and urges caution, particularly during the rutting season when bulls can be more aggressive.
Bison, North America’s largest mammals, are known for their powerful and unpredictable nature. The Department of the Interior confirms that male bison, also known as bulls, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall, while females, referred to as cows, can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of 4 to 5 feet. Yellowstone National Park remains the only place in the United States where bison have continuously roamed since prehistoric times. To mitigate potential risks, the Park Service mandates that visitors maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from large animals such as bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and horses. If encountered, visitors are advised to turn around and avoid any interaction with these wild creatures to ensure their safety and the preservation of the park’s natural wildlife.
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