The incident is under investigation.

08:59, Sat, Jun 27, 2026 Updated: 09:07, Sat, Jun 27, 2026

A bison

A 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park (Image: Yellowstone National Park)

A child was injured by a bison at Yellowstone National Park, one of the United States' most famous natural attractions, on Friday. Officials said the incident happened at approximately 9.15am local time at the Wyoming wilderness recreation area.

The dangerous encounter took place near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge, officials added, as the 12-year-old child was visiting the park. In a statement issued by the National Park Service (NPS), officials also said that the child was taken to hospital after the visitor "sustained injuries".

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The statement, which didn't specify the seriousness of the injuries, added the incident is under investigation.

Officials also issued a warning, stating wildlife including bisons living at the Yellowstone park "can be dangerous".

The statement read: "Wild animals can be aggressive when people do not respect their space. Visitors are responsible for staying at least 25 yards away from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars.

"If wildlife approach you, move away to maintain the required distance. Never approach, touch, feed or crowd wildlife, even if an animal appears calm.

"Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans and will defend their space when threatened."