Yellowstone Bison Attack: 12-Year-Old Child Hospitalized Near Mud Volcano

A 12-year-old child was hospitalized after being attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park, prompting renewed warnings about wildlife safety in one of the park’s busiest visitor areas.

The incident happened on Friday, June 26, near the Mud Volcano area, just north of Fishing Bridge. Park officials said the attack occurred at about 9:15 a.m., and emergency medical personnel transported the child to a nearby hospital.

The National Park Service has not released the child’s condition or detailed what happened before the encounter. Officials said the incident remains under investigation.

What Happened Near Mud Volcano?

Mud Volcano is a popular geothermal stop inside Yellowstone, known for steaming pools, bubbling mud features and boardwalk views. The area also sits within habitat where large animals, including bison, may move close to roads and visitor paths.

Officials have not said whether the child, family members or nearby visitors were too close to the bison before the attack. Because the investigation is still open, the park has released only limited confirmed details.

That lack of detail matters. In wildlife incidents, investigators often review distance, crowd behavior and whether the animal had a clear path to move away.

Why Bison Injuries Keep Happening in Yellowstone

Bison are one of Yellowstone’s most photographed animals, but they are also among the most misunderstood. Park officials say bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.

Adult bison can weigh more than 2,200 pounds, making them the largest land mammals in North America. They can also run about three times faster than humans, which means a safe-looking distance can become dangerous within seconds.

The risk often comes from the way bison behave around developed areas. They may graze near roads, parking lots and trails without appearing aggressive. Visitors may interpret that calm behavior as permission to move closer, but park officials warn that bison can defend their space suddenly when crowded.

The Official Safety Message for Visitors

Yellowstone officials advise visitors to move away if wildlife approaches. The safest response is to create more space immediately rather than wait for the animal to pass or try to capture a closer photo.

Visitors should never approach, touch, feed or crowd wildlife, even when an animal appears calm. Park rules also prohibit remaining close enough to disturb or displace wildlife.

Official safety guidance for Yellowstone visitors is available from the National Park Service.

Recent Bison Attacks Add Important Context

The latest attack follows two separate bison incidents reported in Yellowstone in 2025.

In May 2025, a 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison near Lake Village after officials said he approached the animal too closely. Emergency medical personnel treated him after the encounter.

In June 2025, a 30-year-old visitor from Randolph, New Jersey, suffered minor injuries near Old Faithful after a large group of visitors approached a bison. Officials said he was the only person in the group who was injured.

Those cases show why Yellowstone repeatedly reminds tourists that bison are not background scenery. They are wild animals capable of reacting quickly when people get too close.

Why Summer Crowds Raise the Risk

Yellowstone sees heavy traffic during summer, especially around geothermal basins, wildlife pullouts and scenic roads. When one person stops for a close photo, others may gather, creating a crowd that can pressure an animal from several directions.

A bison surrounded by visitors may feel trapped even if no one intends harm. That is why keeping distance is not only about personal safety but also about giving wildlife space to move naturally.

Families with children should be especially cautious because distance can be difficult to judge in open spaces. A 25-yard gap is roughly the length of two school buses, farther than many visitors realize.

How Travelers Can Reduce Risk

Visitors should use binoculars, long camera lenses and designated viewing areas rather than walking closer to animals. If a bison turns toward people, stops grazing, raises its tail or begins moving closer, visitors should back away slowly and leave more room.

It is also important not to follow wildlife along roads or block an animal’s path. Even a brief close encounter can become dangerous if the animal feels cornered.

For anyone visiting Yellowstone or another outdoor destination, the Mud Volcano incident is a reminder that safety conditions can change quickly. Travelers may also want to read our coverage of the Oyster Cove bushfire in Port Stephens, where emergency warnings affected residents and visitors.

The investigation into the Yellowstone bison attack remains open, and officials have not released further information about the child’s condition. Until more details are confirmed, the central facts are clear: a child was injured, emergency responders transported the child to hospital, and park officials are again warning visitors to respect wildlife distance rules.

Yellowstone’s bison are an unforgettable part of the park, but they are not tame. The safest way to enjoy them is from a distance, with enough room for both visitors and wildlife to move safely.