A 9-year-old girl was taken to the hospital and later released after a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park charged at her, flipping her high into the air with its horns.
Harrowing video shows the moment the bison, which is the largest mammal in North America, began running at the child. Two other adults nearby the bison quickly ran to the side as the animal picked the girl up, causing her to do a back flip before landing hard on the ground.
Park officials said that the girl, who is from Florida, is fine after she was treated by emergency medical staff and later released from the Old Faithful Clinic at the park.
Witnesses to the attack said that the bison appeared to be surrounded by a group of about 50 park visitors who were very close to the wild animal for at least 20 minutes, prompting it to charge. No citations have been issued, but the incident is still under investigation.
“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild. When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals,” a statement from officials warned after the attack.
