Got Too Close: Tourist Nearly Became a Victim of a Bison in Białowieża Forest 0 59

The incident occurred on Monday near Stara Białowieża, located within Białowieża Forest, where the largest population of European bison in Poland resides.

According to eyewitnesses, the tourist approached the animal to about four to five meters. At that moment, the bison suddenly charged at the man, knocked him down, and remained nearby. The event was captured on video.

Wildlife photographer Grzegorz Rynski, who witnessed the incident, shouted at the victim to stay still and then slowly drove up to the bison in his car, leaving the door ajar so the man could take shelter inside.

However, the tourist was in shock and instead tried to walk away. Rynski continued to drive slowly alongside him, shielding him with his vehicle until he was at a safe distance.

According to the photographer, the man was lucky.

"Do not blame the bison. This animal was quite calm. There are individuals that behave much more aggressively," he noted.

The photographer's wife, Aneta Rynska, reported that the tourist sustained a deep open wound to his shin and multiple bruises. The victim required hospitalization.

She reminded that the bison remains a wild animal and may perceive a person as a threat and attack if approached too closely.

After the video was published, science journalist Maciej Kawęcki once again urged tourists to maintain a distance. According to him, warning signs are posted everywhere in Białowieża Forest, yet many visitors continue to approach the bison almost closely for photographs.

Białowieża Forest, located on the border of Poland and Belarus, is the largest habitat for European bison. As of the end of 2025, there were about 1,176 free-roaming animals in the Polish part of the forest and surrounding areas. Experts remind that even the calmest-looking bison can instantly switch to attack mode if they feel threatened.