Yellowstone National Park bison once again make headlines—on June 10, 2025—a 30‑year‑old man from New Jersey was gored by a bison near Old Faithful after approaching too closely. This marks the second bison goring incident in the park this spring, following a similar event on May 7 near Lake Village. Both victims, fortunately, sustained only minor injuries — prompting renewed warnings from park rangers: always stay at least 25 yards away from bison. These massive creatures, capable of running up to 35 mph and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, remain Yellowstone’s most dangerous wildlife — injuring more people than any other species in the park.
A Closer Look at the Latest Incident
- Date & Location: June 10, 2025, Upper Geyser Basin at Old Faithful
- Victim: 30‑year‑old male from Randolph, New Jersey
- Incident: A bison charged and gored the man after visitors encroached on its space
- Result: Minor injuries; treated on-site and evacuated by emergency personnel
This is the second such event in 2025, echoing a May 7 incident in Lake Village. Yellowstone officials are investigating both incidents and reiterating that bison are unpredictable and extremely powerful—prompting appeals for vigilance from every visitor.
Yellowstone National Park Bison: An Ecological Success Story
Yellowstone National Park bison aren’t just newsworthy for safety—they’re also an incredible conservation triumph. In early 2025, genetic studies from Texas A&M revealed a major shift: Yellowstone bison, once considered two distinct herds, are now a single, genetically healthy, interbreeding population numbering between 4,000 and 6,000 animals.
- Background: In the 1800s, bison in Yellowstone nearly went extinct—just 23 animals remained by the early 1900s
- Conservation efforts: Since then, populations have rebounded dramatically
- New research: A March 2025 study published in the Journal of Heredity shows free gene flow across the park—Northern and Central herds have merged into one cohesive population, with robust genetic diversity
This unification carries major importance for park management and conservation strategies. Managers now treat the bison as one population, guiding decisions on hunting quotas, seasonal management, and conservation transfers with a unified genetic framework in mind.
By the Numbers: Yellowstone Bison Stats
| Measure | Figure / Range |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 estimate) | ~5,400 individuals |
| Current population range | 4,000 – 6,000 animals |
| Spring 2025 goring incidents | 2 (May & June) |
| Safe viewing distance | ≥ 25 yards from bison |
These enormous numbers not only reflect bold ecological recovery but also purchase responsibility—ensuring visitor safety and habitat integrity is key.
Why Yellowstone Bison Matter Beyond Headlines
- Keystone species: These bison shape grasslands, nutrient cycling, and habitats used by other wildlife
- Cultural icon: Regarded by Native American tribes and national conservationists as a symbol of restoration and resilience
- Management model: As free‑ranging bison, Yellowstone’s herd sets a standard for rewilding efforts across North America
The new understanding of a unified bison population strengthens the case for coordinated oversight—balancing population size, migration corridors, preventive health measures (like brucellosis controls), and selective hunts outside park boundaries.
Safety First: Viewing Yellowstone National Park Bison
To enjoy these majestic animals safely:
- Stay at least 25 yards away (100 yards from bears/wolves)
- If a bison approaches, move away calmly—don’t run, don’t provoke
- Ask rangers or check signage when in high‑density zones like Old Faithful, Lamar, or Hayden valleys
- Remind friends and family: respect wildlife viewing rules—it’s about mutual safety
Despite their placid grazing, bison react quickly to perceived threats—particularly during mating season (July–August), when bulls can charge with little warning.
A Look Ahead: Management and Monitoring
With Yellowstone’s bison now recognized as a single breeding unit, park officials and wildlife biologists plan to:
- Maintain the herd within the 4,000–6,000 healthy range
- Continue seasonal capture and transfer programs, such as to tribal lands
- Monitor brucellosis and migration flows near park borders
- Use genetic monitoring to ensure the herd remains diverse and resilient
This strategy supports both ecological health and safe coexistence with surrounding ranching communities.
Final Thoughts
Yellowstone National Park bison embody the power of conservation—and the responsibility demanded when we come face‑to‑face with wild giants. From the recent goring near Old Faithful to the genetic revolution signaling a unified herd, these bison remain central to Yellowstone’s legacy.
Explore, observe, and respect. Keep your distance, stay safe—and let these iconic animals roam, regenerate, and inspire.
Reserve your visit, respect wildlife, spread the word about safe viewing, and support Yellowstone’s ongoing bison stewardship.