Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – A tragic accident occurred over the weekend at one of Yellowstone’s most iconic locations, Grand Prismatic Spring, when a bison fell into the scalding waters of the spring, leading to its death as tourists looked on.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, highlights the inherent dangers of the park’s natural features, especially during the busy summer season.
How Did the Bison End Up in the Hot Spring?
The bison, which appeared to stumble into the waters at Midway Geyser Basin near Old Faithful, became trapped in the dangerously hot spring.
While the exact circumstances of the animal’s fall are unclear, Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge at Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, speculated that the bison ventured too close to the spring, likely due to the thin crust surrounding the hot water.
The bison then fell further into the water, thrashing as it tried to free itself, before ultimately succumbing to the extreme temperatures.
Poland explained that the bison most likely boiled to death. “Most hot springs are not highly acidic, but the temperatures are so extreme that the animal would have died fairly quickly,” Poland stated.
The temperatures in Grand Prismatic can reach up to 192 degrees Fahrenheit, just below the boiling point at Yellowstone due to its high altitude, which is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Cautionary Tale for Park Visitors
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the park’s geothermal features. “It’s not uncommon for animals to fall into hot springs,” Poland explained. “Often, the crust around the pools is thin, and when animals walk along the edges, the weight of the animal can cause the crust to break, exposing them to boiling water.”
While this is not the first time such an incident has occurred, what makes this case unique is that it took place in Yellowstone’s largest and most tourist-populated spring, during the busy summer season.
Witnesses, such as Katie Hirtzel, a visitor to the park, shared their emotional reactions to the event. “It was amazing to witness raw nature and the circle of life in front of our eyes,” Hirtzel said on Facebook.
Lessons for Park Visitors
Poland urged visitors to remain cautious when exploring the park, particularly near geothermal features.
He emphasized the importance of staying on the designated boardwalks, which are designed to protect both visitors and wildlife from the park’s dangerous terrain.
“It’s amazing to go and visit these places in Yellowstone. They are spectacular,” Poland said. “But this is why it’s so important to stay on the boardwalks. The park is full of natural beauty, but it also holds risks, and we need to respect those boundaries.”
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As scavengers are expected to be drawn to the area, the park will likely address how to manage the aftermath of this event, with some animal carcasses typically left to decompose naturally in the park’s hot spring ecosystems.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever witnessed an animal encounter in a national park? Share your thoughts on this incident and why it’s important to follow safety rules while visiting such natural wonders. For more updates and safety tips from Yellowstone and beyond, check out RidgecrestPact.org.
