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.
“We wish Chris a rapid recovery, and know he’s 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 Island’s scenic trails that bison are large, free ranging animals that can move very quickly.”
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.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Baker's family did not immediately provide public comments.
