ANTELOPE ISLAND, Utah, June 1, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Davis County man has been LifeFlighted to University Hospital after being charged by a bison at Antelope Island State Park.
The 30-year-old victim is a Davis County resident, Lt. Eric Stucki, State Parks and Recreation, told Gephardt Daily. The incident was called in to 911 shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday.
“He was hiking Frary Peak Trail, and there were other people up there,” Stucki said. “A buffalo charged him and struck him.”
Stucki said he has not heard the exact nature or severity of the man’s injuries.
Antelope Island is home to a herd of roaming American bison. According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, more than 700 bison live on the island.
According to a Department of Interior website, male bison can weight up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall. Females weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of four to five feet.
Antelope Island State Park’s website asks visitors to “respect the health and safety of wildlife by maintaining a respectful distance…. Wildlife, especially bison, may be dangerous. Do not approach bison for any reason.”
Stucki advised anyone who comes across an animal in the wild to “give it plenty of space and turn your direction. Give the animal the space it needs.
“I am not saying that is what happened here, because I don’t know, but it’s just a good reminder to people.”
Gephardt Daily will have more details as information becomes available.
