Katie Rogers reports at the NYT that officials at Yellowstone National Park are warning visitors not to fraternize with wildlife after a woman was injured while trying to take a selfie near a bison — but that hasn't stopped some visitors from posting their close encounters on social media. A notice released by the National Park Service details how a 43-year-old and her child turned their backs to a bison while trying to take a selfie while the animal was 6 yards away. The visitors tried to get away when they heard the bison approach, but the animal lifted the woman up and tossed her with its head. She is the fifth person to be injured in an encounter with one of the park's bison this summer.
The park's warnings are not subtle: Upon entering, visitors receive a bright yellow flier that depicts a person getting gored by a bison. According to Julena Campbell, summer, which is breeding season, is the most dangerous time to be near the animals. "The family said they read the warnings in both the park literature and the signage, but saw other people close to the bison, so they thought it would be OK," says Colleen Rawlings, a ranger in the park's Old Faithful District. "People need to recognize that Yellowstone wildlife is wild, even though they seem docile. This woman was lucky that her injuries were not more severe."
(Score: 2) by Joe Desertrat on Tuesday August 04 2015, @04:22PM
The moral of the story is that wild animals are wild and can hurt you, even the ones that look cute and cuddly.
No kidding, especially when with young. My back deck, where I have a bird bath, was visited frequently by a female raccoon that obviously was nursing. She pretty much ignored me when she came for a drink and I was able to slide open the door wide enough to get pictures. However, when she first showed up with the young ones it was a different story. When I slid the door open a bit she immediately charged, growling and snarling. I jumped back and shut the door, she came right up to it looking very aggressive. She then gathered up the young ones and departed.