Texas woman gored by bison speaks out about experience on CNN
The Texas woman who was gored by a bison spoke out about her experience on CNN earlier this week, saying that she thought she was paralyzed. On Wednesday, November 2, CNN’s Ed Lavandera sat down with hiking enthusiast Rebecca Clark, who was hiking in a remote park in Texas when she was attacked by a bison.
Clark posted about her experience in a viral TikTok in October. She captured her scary encounter with a bison at Caprock Canyons State Park, home of the Texas State Bison Herd. She shared how she was walking alone when the bison attacked her.
“It was so fast,” she told CNN. “He hit me in the back, rammed me, hooked me and then flipped me up face forward into a mesquite bush. I thought I was paralyzed.”
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, bison roam over 10,000 acres in the park. Bison are the largest land animal in North America. That means they need a lot more personal space than you do to feel comfortable, officials said.
As a rule, bison require at least 50 yards (half a football field) between them and people. Officials said to use the “Rule of Thumb” to make sure you are far enough away: Stretch your arm out away from your face and give bison a thumbs up. Close one eye. If you can’t cover the bison with your thumb, you’re too close.
TPWD said agitated or anxious bison will raise their tails up in a question mark (like they did in Clark’s video). Other signs of agitation or disapproval are pawing the ground and lowering its head.
Clark said she knew she was too close, saying “I wasn’t as diligent as I should have been.” She said she’d be devastated if her encounter prevents others from going to the park and having the bison experience. She loves the outdoors that much, Clark said in the interview.
