Bull bison tosses girl, 9, at Yellowstone after reportedly being crowded in: ‘Maybe leave wild animals alone’
A 9-year-old girl is recovering after being charged at and tossed in the air by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park on Monday afternoon, park officials confirmed.
According to a Yellowstone statement, witnesses said the bison attacked the girl — who has not been identified but hails from Odessa, Fla. — after being surrounded by a group of about 50 visitors to the park for at least 20 minutes. The incident took place near the Observation Point Trail near Old Faithful, and the girl was later taken to Wyoming’s Old Faithful Clinic for treatment. She has since been released.
While park officials say the matter is still under investigation, the statement notes that wildlife in the park should be given plenty of space to avoid any dangerous confrontations. It recommends keeping a distance of at least 25 feet from bison; witnesses say just five to 10 feet separated the Yellowstone group from the bull bison in question.
CNN has obtained video purporting to capture the incident, though Yellowstone has not yet confirmed its authenticity. The graphic footage shows a bull bison charging at three people, including a man and woman who dart off. That leaves a young girl, who is flung into the air.
A 9-year-old girl was injured after a bison charged her in Yellowstone National Park on Monday. Park officials warn visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals. Yellowstone is home to over 4,500 bison, according to the latest estimates. https://t.co/FSK1pln0RZ pic.twitter.com/Gdw2CxpPkg
— CNN (@CNN) July 24, 2019
While commenters on Twitter have expressed concern for the girl, many are accusing the group involved of acting irresponsibly.
May be leave wild animals alone
— BarbaraCruz (@barbcruz1964) July 24, 2019
Why in the hell was a 9 year old close enough for this to happen?
— Kristen (@mtn13) July 24, 2019
That's why they called 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 animals. They are not pets. They need their space, to feel safe. If you violate it, may become aggressive (because they lose their safety feeling and they want to defend their space).
— Sofianopoulos Pan (@SofianopoulosPa) July 24, 2019
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Newlywed hospitalized after 'tumbling' into volcano on his honeymoon
Woman posts text messages from ex-boyfriend before his wedding: 'Thank you for being my first love'
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.