Yellowstone Tragedy: Bison Dies After Falling Into Scalding Hot Spring as Tourists Look On
Yellowstone National Park, a place renowned for its natural beauty and geological marvels, became the site of a heartbreaking event last week when a bison died after accidentally stepping into a superheated geothermal spring. The tragic moment unfolded before a crowd of stunned visitors.
Tourists were left in shock after witnessing a bison fall into the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the hottest natural features in Yellowstone.
The incident occurred at the Midway Geyser Basin near the famous Old Faithful geyser, a popular destination within the park. Among the eyewitnesses was Louise Howard, a first-time visitor to Yellowstone, who initially saw two bison roaming near the spring.
“I thought it was going to be a great photo opportunity,” Howard told CBS News. That excitement turned quickly into horror when one of the bison wandered too close to the basin’s edge and slipped into the water.
The animal attempted to escape but was unable to gain traction on the fragile, slick surface. Within moments, it collapsed into the hot spring, thrashing helplessly as it succumbed to the extreme temperatures.
The bison’s struggle was brief, but the moment was seared into the memories of those who witnessed it. Credit: Louise Howard
According to Michael Poland, lead scientist at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, the animal’s death occurred quickly. The spring it fell into—Grand Prismatic Spring—is the largest in the park and reaches temperatures as high as 192 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to Yellowstone’s elevation, the local boiling point is slightly lower than sea level, hovering around 200°F.
“There’s a common misconception that acidic water is the cause of death in these situations,” Poland explained. “But in this case, it’s simply the scalding temperature. The water is hot enough to destroy tissue almost instantly.”
Poland added that the bison’s frantic movements likely pushed it into an even hotter section of the spring, which accelerated the process. Once submerged, the boiling water begins to break down organic tissue, eventually leaving only bones behind. This natural degradation can happen surprisingly fast in these conditions.
A tragic end for one of Yellowstone’s iconic animals. Officials remind visitors and wildlife alike that these geothermal features are incredibly dangerous.
Incidents like this, while unsettling, are not unheard of in Yellowstone. The park is filled with geothermal pools, some of which are deceptively beautiful and appear harmless. But the thin, brittle crust surrounding many hot springs can easily collapse under the weight of large animals—or even humans.
In fact, the Lower Geyser Basin, another area in the park, is informally known as “Skeleton Pool” due to the high number of animal remains found in the water over the years. Wildlife such as bison, elk, and smaller mammals often fall victim to these hidden dangers.
The recent bison death occurred during Yellowstone’s peak tourist season, when thousands of visitors flock to witness the geysers and wildlife. Unfortunately, this tragedy wasn’t the only close encounter involving bison this summer. Just weeks earlier, two separate visitors were gored by bison after approaching them too closely. Both men survived with minor injuries, but the incidents served as further reminders of the risks associated with ignoring park guidelines.
Despite warnings, many visitors underestimate the unpredictable and powerful nature of bison. Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Yellowstone National Park emphasizes a clear safety rule: always maintain at least 25 yards (23 meters) of distance from large animals like bison and elk, and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves. While bison may appear docile, they are capable of charging at high speeds with little warning.
As for the geothermal areas, signs are posted around popular hot springs warning of thin ground and extreme heat. Visitors are advised to stay on designated boardwalks and marked trails at all times.
For wildlife, however, such boundaries don’t exist. “Animals don’t recognize our safety signage,” Poland noted. “They follow instinct and sometimes wander into danger without understanding the risk.”
This event has sparked renewed discussions around the park’s safety measures, particularly for wildlife. While Yellowstone remains committed to preserving natural ecosystems, it also faces the challenge of balancing human access with wildlife protection.
In the end, the sight of a majestic creature succumbing to one of nature’s most dangerous phenomena is a sobering reminder of how wild—and unforgiving—Yellowstone can be.
Source:
National Park Service | CBS News | Yellowstone Volcano Observatory