When Rebecca Clark set out for Caprock Canyons State Park in early October 2022, she never anticipated a dangerous encounter with a territorial bison or the viral video that would follow.
Clark had fallen in love with Texas’ third-largest state park during her first solo hiking and camping trip there a year earlier and decided to return. Located roughly two hours by car from either Lubbock or Amarillo, Caprock draws visitors with its expansive blue skies, brown and green prairies, and rugged red-rock formations.
One of Caprock’s major attractions is its wild bison herd, which numbered around 350 in late 2022. However, these symbolic animals of the Great Plains were not on Clark’s mind—until they suddenly were.
Clark recounted her experience to CNN’s Ed Lavandera, explaining that she encountered a herd while walking back from Lake Theo. “I decided to wait for them to cross the trail before I continued,” she said. However, the bison weren’t moving quickly enough for her, so she chose to pass them, getting closer than the recommended safety distance. She was recording the moment on her smartphone.
In the video, Clark can be heard saying, “Thank you, I appreciate it” as she passed the animals.
But things quickly turned dangerous when one agitated bison took notice. “When I saw him turn, I instantly knew he was going to come after me,” Clark said.
The bison charged, closing the distance within two seconds despite Clark’s frantic attempt to flee. “It was so fast. He hit me in the back, rammed me, hooked me, then flipped me face-forward into a mesquite bush.”
Clark was left gored, bleeding, and alone. How would she survive?
If provoked, it’s no surprise that bison can be dangerous. An adult male can weigh between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds (907 to 998 kilograms), and an adult female can weigh 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms), according to the National Park Service. With sharp horns and a surprising speed of up to 30 mph (50 km/h), bison are formidable animals. Wolves and grizzly bears are their only large natural predators, aside from armed humans.
Native Americans coexisted with bison for centuries, but the arrival of European settlers nearly drove the species to extinction by the late 1800s. Today, herds roam in parts of 12 U.S. states, with Yellowstone National Park being the only place where bison have continuously grazed since prehistoric times.
With wilderness areas becoming increasingly popular, managing visitor-wildlife interactions has become complex. Chris Geremia, senior bison biologist at Yellowstone, emphasized the importance of allowing people to experience wildlife while ensuring safety. “That first moment you see a grizzly bear, a wolf, or a bison—you will never forget it,” Geremia told CNN’s Lavandera. “But people can get hurt. You have to give wildlife space because they are wild animals.”
But how can things go so wrong between peaceful, grazing bison and people who simply want a closer look?
“They’re a very peaceful animal, but if pushed, bison will become incredibly aggressive and defend themselves,” Geremia explained.
To avoid a bison attack, it’s best to keep a respectful distance. The National Park Service recommends staying at least 100 feet (30 meters or two bus lengths) away from bison. Other experts suggest even greater distances. Always seek local guidance before heading into parks, and consider bringing a camera with a telephoto lens to avoid the temptation of getting too close.
Signs of bison agitation include raised tails, head-shaking, and pawing the ground. If you notice these behaviors, you’re too close and should slowly back away. If a bison charges, experts advise being assertive—yell loudly, wave your arms, and, if unavoidable, get as low to the ground as possible and protect your head and torso.
Rebecca Clark experienced this danger firsthand. “I knew he had hit me, but I didn’t realize I was gored. I thought I was paralyzed,” she said. Despite her injuries, Clark managed to call for help. A park ranger arrived about 40 minutes later, followed by emergency personnel. Clark spent six days in the hospital, receiving intensive wound care for a three-inch gash in her back.
Clark decided to share her video on social media to help others learn from her experience. While she acknowledges that she should have been more cautious around bison, she doesn’t want anyone to be deterred from enjoying the outdoors. “I’m trying to protect the opportunity to experience nature,” she said.
