Bull bison tosses girl, 9, at Yellowstone after reportedly being crowded in: ‘Maybe leave wild animals alone’

A 9-year-old girl is recovering after being charged at and tossed in the air by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park on Monday afternoon, park officials confirmed.

According to a Yellowstone statement, witnesses said the bison attacked the girl — who has not been identified but hails from Odessa, Fla. — after being surrounded by a group of about 50 visitors to the park for at least 20 minutes. The incident took place near the Observation Point Trail near Old Faithful, and the girl was later taken to Wyoming’s Old Faithful Clinic for treatment. She has since been released.

While park officials say the matter is still under investigation, the statement notes that wildlife in the park should be given plenty of space to avoid any dangerous confrontations. It recommends keeping a distance of at least 25 feet from bison; witnesses say just five to 10 feet separated the Yellowstone group from the bull bison in question.

CNN has obtained video purporting to capture the incident, though Yellowstone has not yet confirmed its authenticity. The graphic footage shows a bull bison charging at three people, including a man and woman who dart off. That leaves a young girl, who is flung into the air.

While commenters on Twitter have expressed concern for the girl, many are accusing the group involved of acting irresponsibly.

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