The CEO of a nonprofit conservation group was recovering at a Southern California hospital after being attacked by a bison on Catalina Island.
Chris Baker, CEO and president of the American Conservation Experience (ACE), was doing GPS and mapping work Wednesday for the Catalina Island Conservancy to create a new trail system, ACE spokeswoman Susie Jardine said.
Baker was walking down a trail when he turned a corner and saw a bison directly in his path, Jardine said in a statement Thursday. Baker tried to slowly move away, but the bison charged him.
Baker walked a short distance down the trail looking for help when off-duty firefighters and a lifeguard found him and called 911, Jardine said.
He was airlifted to a hospital and is recovering with moderate injuries.
βWe wish Chris a rapid recovery, and know heβs getting the best of medical care," the Catalina Island Conservancy said in a statement. "Incidents like this are extremely rare and we would like to remind visitors to Catalina Islandβs scenic trails that bison are large, free ranging animals that can move very quickly.β
A report from The Orange County Register said Baker was taking photos of the bison, but Jardine said he was not taking photos, but doing field work.
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Baker's family did not immediately provide public comments.