Tourists Observe Fatal Bison Incident During Misguided Photographic Attempt

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In a tragic incident at Yellowstone National Park, tourists witnessed a bison’s fatal plunge into a scalding hot spring at the Midway Geyser Basin near Old Faithful, according to park service reports.

With water temperatures reaching 88C and the boiling point at the park’s high altitude near 93 degrees, survival was impossible for the animal. Eyewitness Louise Howard described the scene: “Two bison were standing there. I thought it was a great photo opportunity.”

The situation unfolded quickly when one bison initially approached a shallower section of the spring, retreating momentarily. Seconds later, the creature lost its footing on the Grand Prismatic Spring’s edge and fell into the lethal waters.

Michael Poland, head scientist at Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, explained that while such thermal-related animal deaths are not uncommon, this incident was notable for occurring during peak tourist season in a highly populated park area.

“There’s a pool in the Lower Geyser Basin called Skeleton Pool,” Poland told CBS News. “What made this different was its location and timing.”

The bison’s death was relatively swift due to extreme heat. Poland noted that the animal’s violent movements pushed it into an even hotter zone, accelerating its demise. He also clarified that water acidity was not the cause of death.

“This bison carcass is essentially sitting in nearly boiling water, which will gradually dissolve organic tissues, eventually leaving only bones,” Poland explained.

The incident occurred during a summer season marked by several bison-related accidents. Recently, a 30-year-old New Jersey visitor received treatment for minor injuries after being gored in the Old Faithful area. In previous years, similar incidents have been reported, including an 83-year-old South Carolina woman seriously injured in 2022 and an Arizona woman gored in 2023.

 

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