In brief
In an alarming incident that captured social media feeds, a large bull bison at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground charged 65‑year‑old Carl Isom‑McDaniel, flinging him inches into the air. The elder sustained multiple injuries and was later taken to a hospital. Park authorities have not released details, but the National Park Service reminds visitors to keep a safe distance and never approach the animals. Experts cite July as the bison’s mating season, raising aggression levels and making wildlife encounters more unpredictable. The attacker’s skier has survived but the event underscores the need for better public awareness of wildlife safety guidelines.
On 13 July a massive 2‑900kg bull bison in Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground rammed 65‑year‑old Carl Isom‑McDaniel, sending him and his grandson a few meters into the air in a dramatic flip.
The moment was captured by bystander Mike MacLeod and went viral; footage shows the bison lying in the grass, then standing and running toward the men. Witnesses describe the elder as in pain, with leg injuries, and he was later transported to a regional hospital.
The National Park Service (NPS) has not released a statement, but the organisation warns that bison can run three times faster than a human and that visitors must stay at least 25 yards (23m) away. The official says never to approach a bison to take a photo.
Scientists note that July overlaps the bison mating season, heightening testosterone and driving unpredictable behaviour. Colorado State University’s Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd says the team keeps distance, observing only from vehicles. For pedestrians, keep a margin of safety of at least 25 yards.
Summer accounts for roughly 60% of yearly visitors to Yellowstone, making the risk of encounters higher. Native life remains part of the park’s allure, but authorities urge that safety isn’t ignored for the sake of a picture.
