'I was too close': Horrific video shows Texas woman being charged and gored by bison during solo hike
BRISCOE COUNTY, TEXAS: A hiker who survived after being gored by a bison during a solo hike has shared the video to her TikTok account to inform fellow hikers about the possible dangers of coming too close to bovines. While hiking alone at the Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, the home of the Texas State Bison Herd, Rebecca Clark, recorded a clip of a herd of bison crossing only a few feet away from her and captured the exact moment when a bison turned back and attacked her.
The now-viral TikTok video shows Clark trying to get past the herd without causing any trouble. Initially, it seems that she has made it out of it safely only for one of the bison to unexpectedly turn around, and charge at her. The hiker was rammed by the beast. Clark yells in the video. "Oh sh*t! Oh oh my god! Oh my god, oh god." The terrifying attack caught on tape has garnered nearly two million views since Clark shared it on Wednesday, October 18. In the caption, Clark wrote, "I was charged and gored by a bison because I was too CLOSE to be passing them on a trailway... I am posting to support safety while enjoying Texas State Parks."
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@rebeccaclark Solo hiking at Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway in Texas. I was charged and gored by a bison because I was to CLOSE to be passing them on a trailway They are beautiful creatures protected by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and are a part of the Texas State Bison Restoration Project where the park has restored the historic Charles Goodnight Bison herd (The Official Texas State Bison Herd) to a portion of its former range in the park. I am posting to support safety while enjoying Texas State Parks #TPWD #bisonetiquette101 #hikingsafety #llbean #chaos #rei ♬ dumb dumb - sped up - mazie
In a follow-up video, Clark explained that the bison rammed her back, gored her, and threw her into a mesquite bush. She could not call 911 due to poor reception so she had to text her family and friends who came to her rescue as they called the paramedics. After 50 minutes, she was flown by helicopter to United Regional Healthcare Hospital in Wichita Falls. Despite dealing with a hole in her back, lots of stickers, and thorns, Clark is on the road to recovery. She also set up a TikTok Creator Fund to help with her medical bills.
@rebeccaclark I am okay! Thank you for all your concerns and to tell you the truth your humor as well. I'm on the road to recovery after a run-in with a bison at Caprock Canyon State Park. #caprockcanyonsstatepark #TPWD #hikingsafety ♬ Asking Alll Them Questions Tik - AmongMemes
Clark lived to tell the tale after the vicious attack as American bison are the largest land mammals in North America. A male bison can grow up to 8.2 feet tall and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Their horns can grow to a maximum length of 2 feet and are easily agitated. Texas Parks and Wildlife explain that any onlooker should maintain enough distance as these animals require a lot of personal space writing, "As a rule, bison require at least 50 yards (half a football field) between them and people. Use the “Rule of Thumb” to make sure you are far enough away: Stretch your arm out away from your face and give bison a thumbs up! Now close one eye. Can you cover the bison with your thumb? If not, you’re too close!"