In a string of recent bison attacks at national parks, a 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, was gored by a bison on Monday morning while visiting Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone near the Lake Lodge Cabins. The woman and the person she was with spotted two bison and began to walk away, but one of the bison charged and gored her, causing significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. She was immediately airlifted to a nearby medical center for treatment.

The attack comes just a day after another bison attack at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. A Minnesota resident sustained "significant injuries to her abdomen and foot" in the attack, according to the National Park Service. The woman was injured at a trailhead in Painted Canyon, a popular spot for motorists. She was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Dickinson, about 30 miles east of the park.

Both incidents are currently under investigation, and exact details of the attacks remain unknown. Park officials have not provided further information, and the Park Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Angie Richman, has not responded to requests for information. The National Park Service has reminded visitors that bison are large, powerful, and wild animals that can turn quickly and easily outrun people. Park regulations require visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from large animals.

The recent attacks highlight the potential dangers of interacting with wildlife in national parks. Yellowstone National Park, in particular, has seen several bison attacks in recent years. Last year, multiple visitors were gored by bison, including a 25-year-old woman near Old Faithful, a 34-year-old man near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful, and a 71-year-old tourist from Pennsylvania. Bison can become more agitated during their mating season, which occurs from mid-July through mid-August.

Yellowstone National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2022, over 3.2 million people visited the park, and in the past decade, visitation numbers have frequently surpassed 4 million. Park officials continue to stress the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and respecting their natural behaviors. Bison, being the largest land animals in North America, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and reach speeds three times faster than humans.

Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. These recent incidents serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with encountering wild animals and the importance of adhering to park regulations to ensure visitor safety.