Taiwanese Exchange Student Gored By Bison Near Old Faithful

Janie Osborne / AP

A Taiwanese exchange student was gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park Friday while she tried to take a picture with the animal, park officials said.

The 16-year-old girl was about three to six feet from the bison when she turned her back for the picture. The bison then lifted its head, took a few steps toward the girl and gored her, according to a statement released by the park.

The incident occurred near the Old Faithful Geyser, where the exchange student was hiking with her host family.

"The rangers, with assistance from bystanders, moved the girl a safe distance from the bison," the statement read.

The injuries were described as serious, but not life threatening.

She was treated in the Old Faithful Clinic, then taken by helicopter for further medical treatment, according to the statement.

"Visitors are reminded that Yellowstone wildlife is wild," the park's statement read. "Wildlife should not be approached, no matter how tame or calm they appear."

U.S. National Park officials have issued similar warnings in the past, reminding visitors not to get to too close to wildlife.

Last year, park officials in Lake Tahoe started warning visitors along the trails not to take selfies with bears because of the danger it posed.

Park officials recommend people to stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other large animals, like bison.

from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/1HkuyBt