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A 12-year-old child was hospitalized Friday after being attacked by a bison near the Mud Volcano area of Yellowstone National Park.

Incident Details

The encounter occurred on Friday, June 26, in the vicinity of the Mud Volcano area, situated just north of Fishing Bridge. According to local reports, the child was in the area when the bison attack took place, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical intervention.

Emergency responders rushed the child to a nearby hospital to receive treatment. Details regarding the specific nature of the injuries or the current medical status of the minor have not been fully released by authorities at this time.

Wildlife Safety in Yellowstone

National Park officials frequently remind visitors that bison are wild animals that can behave unpredictably. Safety guidelines for interacting with wildlife in the park include:

• Maintaining a minimum distance of at least 25 yards from bison and elk.
• Staying inside vehicles when observing large animals from a distance.
• Never approaching bison to take photographs or feed them.
• Being aware of the terrain, especially in high-traffic areas like Mud Volcano and Fishing Bridge.

Bison are capable of charging quickly and can pose a significant threat to pedestrians. Park rangers emphasize that even seemingly calm animals can become aggressive if they feel threatened, cornered, or if they are protecting calves.

Area Traffic and Visitor Safety

The Mud Volcano and Fishing Bridge areas are among the most heavily visited locations in the park due to their unique geothermal features and accessibility. Because of the high volume of tourists, the intersection of human activity and wildlife habitats increases the frequency of close encounters.

Authorities continue to monitor wildlife movement throughout the park to ensure visitor safety. Travelers are encouraged to stay on designated boardwalks and trails to minimize disturbances to the local ecosystem and reduce the risk of unexpected animal encounters.