Exchange Student Gored by Bison in Yellowstone Park

A 16-year-old girl has been gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park while posing for a picture near the animal.

The National Park Service says the unidentified girl's injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

The agency described her as an exchange student from Taiwan who was visiting the park with her host family.

The incident occurred shortly after noon Friday in the Old Faithful area.

The Park Service says she and others were between 3 and 6 feet from the bison when she turned her back to the bison to have her picture taken. The bison took a couple steps and gored her.

The girl was airlifted to an area hospital.

The park advises visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes.

"Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run and are unpredictable and dangerous," Yellowstone said in a press release. "Just because an animal may be near a trail or boardwalk does not mean it should be approached within the recommended safe distances. Visitors are advised to give the animals enough space and be willing to alter their plans to avoid interacting with an animal in close proximity."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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