In brief
In a dramatic incident at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground, a bull bison charged a 65‑year‑old grandfather, knocking him onto his camera and sending him flying a few metres into the air. Viral footage captured the event as the powerful animal then raced off, leaving a dust cloud in its wake. Witnesses report that Carl Isom‑McDaniel sustained multiple injuries but remained conscious and joking until medical help arrived. The National Park Service has urged visitors to maintain a minimum 25‑yard distance from bison and never approach for photos, especially during the unseasonably aggressive mating period. A warning that the July season’s high visitor traffic, coupled with bulls’ heightened testosterone levels, can make these animals unpredictable recalls a recent advisory from a Colorado bison conservation expert.
A 2,000‑lb bull bison chased and rammed an elderly 65‑year‑old man in Yellowstone National Park, blowing him a few metres into the air. The incident happened at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake, just before sunset on a Friday evening.
Viral footage, taken by a young boy and his grandfather, shows the powerful animal running, knocking the man and his grandson into the air while the bison continued its charge. Witnesses describe Carl Isom‑McDaniel as suffering “a lot of pain” and sustaining multiple injuries; he was rushed to a hospital nearby.
The National Park Service (NPS) has not yet released official details on the attack. However, the NPS website lists bison as the top source of injuries in Yellowstone and advises that visitors keep at least 25 yards (23 metres) from them. Visitors are urged not to approach bison for photos or otherwise.
Summer months bring the four‑billion‑plus visitors to the park, with July coinciding the bulls’ mating season. During this period, testosterone spikes heighten bulls’ aggression, making them more unpredictable. Colorado State University professor Jennifer Barfield notes that her team stays away from bison during the mating period, recommending a safe distance for hikers.
After the bison left a trail of dirt and sped away past a white truck that briefly approached the scene, the animal was seen heading toward Isom‑McDaniel and his grandson before the latter could escape into dense trees.
The incident has sparked a discussion about park safety and the need for clear guidelines on how to interact with wildlife. Visitors are reminded to stay vigilant, maintain safe distances, and respect the power of wild animals that roam the park’s vast landscape.
