LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES – A man was injured by a bison inside the restricted area of the South Bison Range on July 4 at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The 37 year old male was treated by Stewart County Emergency Medical Services and transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he remains in stable condition.
“We continue to stress to the public that bison and elk are wild animals,” said Curtis Fowler, wildlife technician at
Land Between the Lakes. “Bison will aggressively protect their calves by confronting any perceived threat. Their sharp horns and hooves are unforgiving and they can react surprisingly fast.”
Fowler encourages the public to use this very unfortunate incident as a reminder to never enter restricted wildlife enclosures. There are two bison enclosures at Land Between the Lakes. The South Bison Range offers limited
viewing from the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway. The Elk and Bison Prairie offers an opportunity to drive through and observe animals in their native habitat from the safety of their vehicle. Bugle Corps volunteers are frequently available at the Elk and Bison Prairie for additional information about elk and bison and their habitat.