A horrifying accident occurred near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, where a bison tragically fell into the Grand Prismatic Spring and died after being scalded by the spring's near-boiling waters. The incident took place on June 21 at the Grand Prismatic Spring, known for its vibrant colors and extreme temperatures reaching up to 192°F (about 89°C), with the boiling point at Yellowstone lowered to approximately 200°F due to the park's high elevation.
According to eyewitness Louise Howard, a visitor from Colorado, two bison were standing near the spring when one of them slipped and fell into the hot spring. Despite struggling to escape, the bison was unable to get out and was quickly killed by the scalding water. Howard described the animal's futile attempts to climb out before succumbing to the heat, capturing photos and videos of the distressing event.
Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, explained that while such incidents are rare, they are not unprecedented. He emphasized that the water in the hot springs is mostly neutral in pH, dispelling rumors that the spring's acidity caused the death. Instead, it was the extreme temperature that led to the bison's rapid demise, effectively boiling the animal alive. Poland noted that the carcass will gradually be reduced to bones as the hot water erodes organic material.
Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin features even hotter springs, with temperatures reaching 91.6°C, and has been nicknamed the "Skeleton Pool" due to animal remains found there. Poland urged visitors to maintain a safe distance from thermal features, stay on designated boardwalks, and follow park regulations to avoid similar tragedies.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Yellowstone's geothermal features, where water temperatures far exceed safe limits for both wildlife and humans.
