A man who got too close to a bison in Yellowstone National Park has been gored and thrown by the animal.
The 34-year-old man from Colorado Springs was walking with his family near Giant Geyser in the park's Old Faithful area on Monday when a bull bison charged the group, park officials said.
A video of the encounter filmed by another parkgoer, Rob Goodall, showed the man was behind the bison when it charged other members of his party.
The man ran up and appeared to be trying to keep himself between the bison and his family when the bison pursued a child who was running away.
Mr Goodall said prior to the start of the video, the man — who is seen wearing a hat — had approached the bison and that started the confrontation.
"The bison went after the older couple because the kid ran towards them … I just hope that the family involved is OK.
"This video should serve as a warning to those who don’t understand how dangerous wildlife can be if not respected and if rules are not followed."
The man was taken to Eastern Idaho Medical Center for treatment of injuries to his arm, park officials said.
His name was not released.
The incident is under investigation.
Second bison attack in a month
This is the second time this year that a visitor has gotten too close to a bison and the animal has responded by goring the person, according to park officials.
On May 30, a woman from Ohio got within three metres of a bison before it gored and tossed her, causing a puncture wound and other injuries.
Bison are unpredictable, have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, and can run three times faster than humans, park officials say.
The park requires people to stay more than 23 metres away from all large animals, including bison and moose, and at least 91 metres away from bears and wolves.
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