Laguna Niguel Man Gored by Yellowstone Park Bison

A Laguna Niguel man was in stable condition in a Wyoming hospital on Tuesday after being gored in the chest and thighs by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.

William Millener, 38, was injured Monday when he walked within 10 feet of the shaggy animal, which charged him and threw him over its head, park spokeswoman Marjie Siring said.

Millener, who was visiting the park with his wife, was able to walk to his car and drive to Yellowstone’s Lake Hospital. He was later taken to West Park Hospital, in Cody, Wyo., where he was in “very stable” condition after undergoing surgery Tuesday, a hospital spokesman said.

Millener was the fourth park visitor to be injured by a bison in the past week and the eighth this summer.

“We have not removed the bison from the area; they were not exhibiting abnormal behavior and they’re non-aggressive if you leave them alone and give them space,” Siring said. “Federal law prohibits individuals from approaching wildlife too closely, or harassing them, and violators may be tried on misdemeanor charges,” she said.

All Yellowstone visitors receive a brochure that warns them to stay away from park animals, including bears. Although the brochure does not define what a safe distance would be, it does suggest that tourists view wildlife from their cars, Siring said.

There are approximately 2,000 bison in the park’s two herds.