First Bison Goring Of 2025 Injures Tourist

Do you remember back in 2020 when an Iowa woman got too close to a Custer State Park bison in western South Dakota and lost her pants? Well...people are still getting way too close to these wild beasts.

About 5 years ago, an Iowa woman traveling on a motorcycle in South Dakota's Custer State Park got off her bike to photograph a herd of bison in the road.

After approaching too closely, one bison charged and hooked its horn through her belt and jeans, spinning her in circles until her pants were completely removed.

The 54-year-old visitor from Iowa was thrown to the ground unconscious while the bison ran away with her pants still on its horn.

Luckily, she avoided major injuries despite the frightening encounter.

This week, Yellowstone National Park officials have reported the first bison goring incident of 2025, reminding visitors of the critical importance of maintaining safe distances from wildlife.

A 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, sustained injuries on Sunday after approaching a bison too closely in the Lake Village area of the park.

The incident occurred when the visitor reportedly failed to maintain the required 25-yard safety buffer that park regulations mandate.

Park officials described the man's injuries as "minor," and he received prompt treatment from emergency service personnel on site.

The incident remains under investigation by park authorities.

This incident marks the first reported bison goring of 2025, following two similar incidents in 2024 and one in 2023.

Yellowstone hosts the nation's largest bison population on public lands while South Dakota has the largest bison population in the United States, with roughly 40,000 head.

Remember that while these magnificent animals may appear docile, they remain wild, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous.