A fisherman had a close encounter with a bison in Yellowstone National Park. Nearby park visitors saw the bison approach the man and warned him of what was lurking behind him.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – It was a close call for a fisherman after a bison quietly approached him from behind in Yellowstone National Park.
MISSING HIKER FOUND DEAD IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AFTER SUSPECTED BEAR ATTACK
In a video captured by parkgoer Kristi Wilt, the bison can be seen walking toward the man as he fished along the river, completely unaware of the animal’s presence.
Bison grazing in the early morning hours at Yellowstone National Park.
(Getty Images)
With his back turned, the fisherman didn’t notice the bison until another parkgoer alerted him.
“The truck behind us started honking before we did, alerting the fisherman, who later found out it was his wife who honked,” Wilt told Storyful.
MAGNITUDE 3.3 EARTHQUAKE RATTLES YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEAR INFAMOUS SUPERVOLCANO
Wilt said she debated honking her own horn before the man was alerted, but worried the noise could cause the bison to charge.
Bison next to danger sign.
(Jacob W. Frank / National Park Service / FOX Weather)
“We were all so relieved as he walked like a boss, no eye contact, no fast movements, away from the bison,” Wilt continued. “My family cheered because we all felt so much relief in the way he handled himself.”
2 HIKERS ATTACKED BY MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR AND CUBS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The close encounter comes just weeks after a 47-year-old woman was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone.
According to the National Park Service, the woman was walking with another individual through a field near the lodge when they spotted two bison. The pair turned to walk away, but one of the animals charged and gored the woman.
Woman takes selfie with bison on May 20, 2023 in Yellowstone National Park.
(Storyful / FOX Weather)
She suffered significant injuries to her chest and abdomen and was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Park officials are reminding visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes.
WORLD’S LARGEST ACIDIC GEYSER ERUPTS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2020 IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Visitors should also remain at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
American bison walking in grassland at foot of mountain, National Bison Range, Montana.
(Avalon / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, bison, the largest mammals in North America, can become more aggressive during the summer breeding season as they gather in large herds to compete for mates.
Breeding season typically runs from mid-July through mid-August.
