(Photo provided by nps.gov)

According to a news release from officials at Yellowstone National Park, an 83-year old woman from Greenville, South Carolina, was gored by a bison on June 1 near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake.

Park officials stated “the bison, defending its space, came within a few feet of the woman and lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns.”

The woman reportedly sustained serious injuries and Park emergency responders transported her to Lake Medical Clinic where she was then flown to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. The incident reminds under investigation. The news release did not report the condition of the woman.

Park officials remind visitors that they should always stay more than 25 yards from bison and move away from wildlife if they approach you.

The following are tips for being around animals in the Park:

• Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous. Wild animals can be aggressive if people don’t respect their space. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area, give it space. It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, move or turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
• Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are not aggressive animals but will defend their space when threatened. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.
• Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.
• Protect the park today and for future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge!