A Polish tourist narrowly escaped serious injury after being attacked by a massive European bison in Białowieża Forest, one of Europe's last primeval woodlands, when he ventured too close to the wild animal.
The incident unfolded when the bison charged and knocked the man to the ground. Wildlife photographer Grzegorz Ryński captured the harrowing scene on video, showing the large animal standing over the fallen tourist. Each time the man attempted to stand, the bison moved toward him again, forcing him back down. Ryński shouted instructions for the tourist to remain still, then carefully drove his vehicle closer to provide an escape route.
The tourist eventually managed to reach the safety of the vehicle. According to the photographer's wife, he sustained a leg wound and multiple bruises from the encounter.
"You can't blame the bison," Ryński explained. "The man was actually lucky, because this particular animal was relatively calm. There are others that are far more aggressive."
