Use caution and common sense when shooting

[lauderdalems]

A bull bison at Yellowstone National Park gored a 55-year-old tourist after the man got within 10 feet of the animal in a campground.

A news release from the park says the Norco, Calif., man was taking pictures of the bison when it charged him Wednesday morning.


The park requires visitors to stay at least 25 yards from bison.

[AmandaMarie]

Common sense is not common.

I spent my childhood summers around bison/bulls. Learned from an early age that anything with horns can/will injure you, respect it.

[Karl Johnston]

Bison are extremely aggressive animals. I was going out on the land to an advertising shoot for an adventure camp when I was nearly stampeded. I was doing about 90 on a dirt/gravel road and did 2 fishtails before regaining control of the car.

I thought I had definitely had it, 70 kms outside of civilization and had taken a bad road. The bison on the side literally ran out of the trees and my car was about 5 feet from getting it.

A friend of mine's dad was driving a ford ranger and it ended up killing him and having his truck destroyed by a stampeding, aggressive herd.

On the highways up here they come by the dozen, or two dozen, in their herds. Extremely powerful animals.

[Tom Reichner]

A bull bison at Yellowstone National Park gored a 55-year-old tourist after the man got within 10 feet of the animal in a campground.

A news release from the park says the Norco, Calif., man was taking pictures of the bison when it charged him Wednesday morning.
Wow! Do you have a link to this? I'd love to read the full report.

[sweetlu60]

Here is a link to the story.

Man Gored by Bison in Yellowstone (http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10772277&nav=menu227_3)

I didn't even know about the one at Canyon on the 24th, and I was staying in the cabins there that day.

[Tom Reichner]

Thanks for the link, Sweetlu! Here's the story, for those who are interested (from CBS - Montana's News Station . com):

Man gored by bison in Yellowstone
Posted: July 22, 2009 01:29 PM

A California man was gored by a bison in a campground at Yellowstone National Park Wednesday morning as he snapped photos of the animal.

The 55-year-old man from Norco, California was taking pictures of the bull bison that was wandering among the campsites in the Bridge Bay Campground where he was staying. When the two got within about ten feet of each other, the bison charged the camper, according to a news release from the park.

The man received a puncture wound to the upper left thigh. He was treated at the Lake Clinic then transported by ambulance to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

The man's name is not immediately available.

This is the second time a park visitor has been injured by a bison this summer. A 50-year-old woman from Spain was tossed in the air by a bull bison in the Canyon area on June 24, while talking on a pay phone, according to the park. The woman was treated for minor injuries.

The park warns visitors that bison, which can be dangerous at any time, are more dangerous during their peak mating season, which takes place over the next several weeks.

The park also reminds visitors that regulations require people to stay at least 25 yards away from most animals like bison and elk, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves at all times. Those who fail to abide by these requirements not only put themselves in danger, they may also be subject to a citation and fine, according to the park.

[Larry Weinman]

In Yellowstone Park they give you a warning when you enter the park about not getting close to wildlife, particularly bears and yet it is amazing to see how many idiots try to lure a bear closer for a photo by waving a piece of bacon.

[Tom Reichner]

In Yellowstone Park they give you a warning when you enter the park about not getting close to wildlife, particularly bears and yet it is amazing to see how many idiots try to lure a bear closer for a photo by waving a piece of bacon.

I've spent countless days in Yellowstone over the past few years, and been caught in dozens of "bear jams". Never - not once - have I seen anyone try to lure a bear closer with food of any kind.

[Mike55]

The rangers have an incredibly difficult job to do in Yellowstone. Few people follow the animal/distance rules and especially the posted speed limits.

[RikWriter]

I've spent countless days in Yellowstone over the past few years, and been caught in dozens of "bear jams". Never - not once - have I seen anyone try to lure a bear closer with food of any kind.

I've never even heard of it.

[Mike55]

It was very common in Yellowstone. I spend two weeks there solid every year and I've seen it. I only tent camp and stay in the campgrounds, maybe that's why. I never stay in hotels and am in the park 24/7.

I've seen people run at bison, entice coyote with injured prey calls, entice ravens, coyote, fox and bear with food.

One of the more famous stories is the guy who wanted to keep a Yellowstone bear, so he lured it into his trunk:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20080529/ai_n25465772/

Then there was the story told to me by a man driving through the park in his new Cadillac who decided he wanted to take a bear home. He lured a bear into his trunk with food then slammed the lid and started to drive off.

The angry bear began to claw its way through the back seat, so he stopped, climbed out of the car and slammed the door. The bear made it into the car and proceeded to rip everything to pieces. A passing ranger stopped, opened the door and the bear ambled off, leaving the driver embarrassed, cited and searching for a way to tell his insurance company exactly how it all happened.

[kdwilkins]

When we were in Yellowstone two winters ago, the snowmobile guide told us before we went into the park not to get close to the bison; that they wouldn't hestitate to charge us if they wanted to. They are beautiful but big powerful animals and I'm not crazy enough to think I can outrun one.

[Tom Reichner]

I'm just glad there's usually a way to get the shot one wants without actually endangering one's self.

This image is entirely uncropped! Yet I was entirely safe while shooting it (although I was not in a car). Common sense is the key.

[RikWriter]

It was very common in Yellowstone. I spend two weeks there solid every year and I've seen it. I only tent camp and stay in the campgrounds, maybe that's why. I never stay in hotels and am in the park 24/7.

I've seen people run at bison, entice coyote with injured prey calls, entice ravens, coyote, fox and bear with food.

One of the more famous stories is the guy who wanted to keep a Yellowstone bear, so he lured it into his trunk:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20080529/ai_n25465772/

Then there was the story told to me by a man driving through the park in his new Cadillac who decided he wanted to take a bear home. He lured a bear into his trunk with food then slammed the lid and started to drive off.

The angry bear began to claw its way through the back seat, so he stopped, climbed out of the car and slammed the door. The bear made it into the car and proceeded to rip everything to pieces. A passing ranger stopped, opened the door and the bear ambled off, leaving the driver embarrassed, cited and searching for a way to tell his insurance company exactly how it all happened.

Sorry, I'd have to call BS on that third-hand story.

[hawk911]

Darwin award candidate!

[Mike55]

Sorry, I'd have to call BS on that third-hand story.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/33751286_e504a065e6.jpg?v=0

[RikWriter]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/33751286_e504a065e6.jpg?v=0

That picture isn't of someone trying to take a bear home in their trunk.