A 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison during a visit to Yellowstone National Park on June 26. The incident occurred near the park’s Mud Volcano area, where emergency responders treated the child before transporting them to a nearby hospital.
Park officials are investigating the incident and have not yet released details about the child’s condition or the circumstances leading up to the encounter.
Child Injured Near Mud Volcano Area
The incident happened around 9:15 a.m. local time near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge. Park paramedics responded quickly and took the injured child to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials have not disclosed the extent of the injuries while the investigation remains ongoing.
Bison Are Yellowstone’s Most Dangerous Wild Animal
According to Yellowstone National Park, bison have injured more visitors than any other wild animal in the park.
Although they often appear calm, bison are highly unpredictable and can run up to three times faster than humans when they feel threatened.
Yellowstone’s Bison Population Has Recovered Remarkably
Yellowstone is home to an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 bison divided between the Northern and Central herds.
The species once faced near extinction, but conservation efforts helped the population recover from just a few dozen animals that survived in the park during the late 1800s.
Similar Bison Incidents Have Happened Before
Park officials noted that multiple visitors have been injured by bison in recent years after getting too close to the animals.
Two separate goring incidents occurred in 2025, while two people were injured in 2024 and another incident was reported in 2023.
Safety Rules Every Yellowstone Visitor Should Follow
Visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, deer, moose, coyotes, and other large wildlife. Bears, wolves, and cougars require an even greater minimum distance of 100 yards.
Park officials also remind visitors never to approach, feed, touch, or crowd wildlife. If an animal moves toward you, the safest response is to back away immediately and maintain the recommended distance.
