Bison Dies After Falling Into Yellowstone Hot Spring During Peak Season

A bison tragically died after it stumbled into the scalding waters of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park while tourists watched during the park's busiest season. Scientists suggest the bison likely fell because it got too close to the edge, which has a thin crust that can break under weight, causing the animal to fall into near-boiling water. The water's temperature, reaching up to 192 degrees Fahrenheit, caused the bison to die quickly, dispelling rumors that acidity was the cause. This incident, witnessed by visitors and captured on video, highlights the dangers of the park's geothermal features and is not unprecedented, as similar animal deaths have occurred at Yellowstone's hot springs before. Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, emphasized the importance of staying on boardwalks and marked trails to avoid such accidents. The park plans to let the bison's remains naturally decay in the spring.