Bison goring injuries: penetrating and blunt trauma

Abstract

Injuries from bison (American buffalo, Bison bison) attacks have not previously been reported in the medical literature. This study examines 56 bison-caused injuries, including two fatalities, from Yellowstone National Park over the past 15 years. Two mechanisms of injury were observed. The first was direct goring by the bison's horn, “hooking,” resulting in deep puncture wounds most often to buttocks or thighs. Abdominal injury, including evisceration, was also seen. Blunt trauma occurred as the victim was shoved or butted by the animal's head, or when the victim sustained a rapid deceleration on ground impact after being tossed into the air. Multiple sites and types of fractures, abrasions, and contusions were seen. Most patients requiring hospital care for goring wounds were treated with operative debridement and primary closure. Cultures of puncture wounds were uniformly negative. Injuries from bison exceed injuries from bears or any other wild animals in Yellowstone National Park.