In a string of recent bison attacks at national parks, two women were gored in separate incidents, raising concerns about visitor safety and wildlife interactions. On Monday morning, a 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, became the latest victim when she was attacked by a bison at Yellowstone National Park. The incident took place on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone near the Lake Lodge Cabins. According to witnesses, the woman and her companion spotted two bison and attempted to distance themselves. However, one of the bison charged and gored the woman, causing significant injuries to her chest and abdomen. Swift action was taken as she was immediately airlifted to a nearby medical center for urgent treatment.

This attack occurred just a day after another bison attack at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. A Minnesota resident suffered "significant injuries to her abdomen and foot" in the incident, as reported by the National Park Service. The attack took place at a trailhead in Painted Canyon, a popular spot for motorists. The injured woman was promptly transported by ambulance to a hospital in Dickinson, located approximately 30 miles east of the park.

Both incidents are currently under investigation, and authorities have yet to release further details regarding the attacks. Requests for information from the Park Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Angie Richman, have gone unanswered, leaving the public eager for updates.

The National Park Service has taken the opportunity to remind visitors about the potential dangers of interacting with wildlife in national parks, particularly bison. These majestic creatures are large, powerful, and wild animals that can turn quickly and easily outrun humans. Park regulations strictly require visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from large animals.

The recent attacks underscore the risks associated with encountering wildlife in national parks, with Yellowstone National Park being a hotspot for bison-related incidents. In the past year alone, multiple visitors have fallen victim to bison attacks, 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. Park officials highlight that bison can become more agitated during their mating season, which occurs from mid-July through mid-August.

Yellowstone National Park, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife, attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2022, over 3.2 million people visited the park, and the past decade has consistently seen visitation numbers surpassing 4 million. Despite the allure of up-close encounters with wildlife, park officials continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance from animals and respecting their natural behaviors.

Bison, the largest land animals in North America, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and reach speeds three times faster than humans. It is worth noting that Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. These recent attacks serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with encountering wild animals and the crucial need to adhere to park regulations to ensure visitor safety.