Woman, 83, Gored and Lifted 'About a Foot Off the Ground' by Bison at Yellowstone National Park
The woman from Greenville, South Carolina "sustained serious injuries," park officials said in a news release
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A stock photo of a bison walking in Yellowstone National Park.An 83-year-old woman has been seriously injured after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.
On Monday June, 3, the National Park Service shared a news release confirming the incident had taken place on Saturday, June 1 near the Storm Point Trail.
"The bison, defending its space, came within a few feet of the woman and lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns," park officials said about the victim, whom they described as coming from Greenville, South Carolina.
"Park emergency responders transported her to the Lake Medical Clinic where she was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center," the release added.
"The incident remains under investigation and there is no additional information to share at this time, including the woman’s condition."
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Views of Yellowstone Lake along Storm Point Nature Trail.Related: 35-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured After ‘Surprise’ Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park
The park warned visitors that wild animals "can be aggressive if people don't respect their space."
Officials confirmed more people had been injured by bison in Yellowstone National Park than any other animal.
"Visitors: It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance. Move away from wildlife if they approach you," the news release said.
Related: Tourist Mauled After Rolling Down Window to Take Selfie with Bear
"It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, move or turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity," park officials added.
The park stated bison were "not aggressive animals" but would "defend their space when threatened" and are known to be "unpredictable." The animals can also run three times faster than humans, per the release.
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"The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules," the park said.
Yellowstone National Park didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.
The latest bison incident comes after Amber Harris, 47, from Phoenix, Arizona, was "gored" by a bison at Yellowstone National Park in July 2023.
She ended up getting engaged to fiancé Chris Whitehill in the hospital where she was recovering following the incident after he had planned to propose during the trip.
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