Woman gored by bison at Yellowstone on proposal trip gets engaged in hospital
An Arizona woman gored in the chest by a bison at Yellowstone National Park on what was supposed to be a proposal trip ended up getting engaged in the hospital where she’s recovering from her horror injuries.
Amber Harris, 47, said her boyfriend Chris Whitehill had planned to drop down on one knee this week during their long-awaited trip to Wyoming — until Monday’s freak accident with the bison threw his plans into disarray.
“Chris had planned a beautiful marriage proposal this week on a natural bridge but all three of us [including her daughter Rylee Eckblad] have been in the hospital since yesterday morning and I won’t be able to leave any time soon,” Harris posted on Facebook alongside a photo of her ring.
“So my love got down on one knee beside my hospital bed last night and formally asked me to be his wife. Without any hesitation I said yes!”
The ordeal that landed her in the hospital unfolded when Harris and her partner encountered two bison in front of the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone first thing Monday.
Harris said they were walking through a field towards the lake when they suddenly spotted the animals.
“About halfway to the water we noticed two bison,” Harris said as she detailed the horror.
“We stopped and looked at the massive beast, about 50 yards away on the trail, hidden at first in the shadows of the tress.
“We watched him drop and roll in the dirt, like a dog would. He got up on his feet and started walking then running towards us.”
Harris, who was airlifted to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, said she was left with seven spine fractures, collapsed lungs and severe bruising after being gored.
“Glory to God all my vital organs look good,” she said of her recovery. “Please pray for my healing. God is faithful and merciful and I know He protected me in the attack. He will heal me.”
In the wake of the attack, the National Park Service said it wasn’t clear how close the woman and her companion actually were to the bison before it charged.
They urged all visitors to give wild animals in Yellowstone space.
“Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached,” the agency said. “When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space.”
They also warned visitors to stay more than 35 yards away from bison and other large animals.
