Bison charges tourist in Poland's Białowieża Forest, leaves him injured

In Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO-listed woodland on the Poland-Belarus border, a visitor came within about 20 feet of a European bison when the animal suddenly charged, toppling the man onto the forest floor. The bison remained over the victim, and when he attempted to stand, it swiped at him and forced him down again. Grzegorz Ryński, a nature photographer who captured the scene, shouted for the tourist not to move and then drove his car close enough to let the man climb in, later reversing to pull them both away from the animal.

The tourist emerged with a deep gash on his calf and significant bruising, prompting a trip to the hospital. Ryński said the bison involved was unusually calm, stressing that other members of the herd can be far more aggressive. His wife, Aneta Ryński, who also witnessed the event, warned that wild bison may attack if they feel threatened.