A New Hampshire woman suffered third-degree burns this week at Yellowstone National Park after accidentally breaking the lid of a hot tub and dipping her foot into the hot water, according to the National Park Service.
Park officials said it was the first known injury this year caused by Yellowstone’s hot springs, which have killed at least 22 people since 1890.
But these boiling pools of water aren’t the only danger the park faces: Bears have killed at least eight park visitors and more than 100 have died in Yellowstone’s lakes and rivers, according to the park.
Park officials said the hot tub incident is a reminder for visitors to follow the 10 rules of what they call cleanliness. Yellowstone Bail Bond to protect themselves from hot springs, bears, bison and other potential dangers in the park.
A 60-year-old woman was injured Monday when she wandered off the trail near Mallard Lake Trailhead and the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, park officials said. In doing so, she violated the second rule of the pledge: “Stick to the beaten path.”
“In hot spring areas, sidewalks take you to amazing places, protect the park, and keep you safe,” the pledge says. “People have suffered serious burns and died after leaving the sidewalk or reaching into the hot water.”
Although the ground around hydrothermal vents may appear solid, it is often unstable with boiling water beneath the surface. Park officials said the woman fell to the ground and suffered second- and third-degree burns on her lower leg.
He was evaluated at a park medical clinic and flown to Idaho Regional Medical Center for further treatment, park officials said. The woman was visiting the park with her husband and dog from Windsor, New York, neither of whom were injured.
Park officials also reminded visitors that pets are not allowed on sidewalks, hiking trails, backyards and heated areas.
These regulations are designed to protect pets from predators such as bears or coyotes and from heat stroke. They are also designed to protect the park’s wild animals from diseases transmitted by domestic animals.
Visitors should also be aware that toxic gases can build up to dangerous levels in heated areas, and park officials recommend that visitors leave the area immediately if they become ill.
As promised, in addition to the deadly puddles, bison, grizzlies and bears killed every visitor to the park. In March 2022, a Montana hiker died after being attacked by a grizzly bear north of Yellowstone, officials said. On June 1, a bison mauled an 83-year-old woman from Greenville, South Carolina, by lifting her about a foot off the ground near Yellowstone Lake, park officials said.
Visitors are warned to stay 100 metres away from bears and wolves, 25 metres away from all other animals and to never feed wild animals.
One of the most important bear safety tips is to always travel in a group.
According to park data, 91 percent of people injured by bears in Yellowstone since 1970 were hiking alone or with someone. Only 9 percent of people injured by bears were in groups of three or more.
All park visitors are encouraged to carry bear spray and place trash in bear-resistant containers.
