Story perspectives

Yellowstone Bison Charges Tourist, Leg Surgery Required

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The bison displayed aggressive behavior for several minutes before charging a visitor at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park.
The charge broke the visitor’s leg, requiring surgery.
Campers rushed to the scene and hazed the bison away.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes to treat the injured tourist.
The National Park Service is investigating and urging visitors to stay at least 25 yards from bison during the summer breeding season.

History

Historical Context

After near-extinction in the 1880s, Yellowstone’s bison rebounded from a 23-animal remnant and, by the 1990s, were roaming beyond park borders, prompting the Montana legislature to label them a disease-management species. Litigation led to the Interagency Bison Management Plan, adopted in 2000, which keeps the herd within the 2,400-5,500 range and requires visitors to stay about 75 feet (23 m) away—rules highlighted by today’s Bridge Bay charge.

1 of 2

Story summary

The bison displayed aggressive behavior for several minutes before charging a visitor at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park.
The charge broke the visitor’s leg, requiring surgery.
Campers rushed to the scene and hazed the bison away.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes to treat the injured tourist.
The National Park Service is investigating and urging visitors to stay at least 25 yards from bison during the summer breeding season.

1 / 2