Grandfather thrown into the air by a bison at Yellowstone National Park
On the night of July 10–12 2026 a senior visitor, Carl Isom McDaniel (65), was walking with his 13‑year‑old grandson near the Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park when an agitated male bison, about 900 kg and in rutting season, charged the pair. The animal struck the grandfather with its left horn, goring his hip and launching him roughly eight feet (2.5 m) into the air. He landed on his side after a “perfect flip,” sustaining multiple fractures and serious injuries.
Witnesses, including wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod, intervened, shouting and attempting to distract the animal until it retreated. Park emergency services arrived within minutes and transported the victim to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and remained in critical condition. The incident is the second bison‑related injury at Yellowstone in 2026; the park reiterates its safety guidelines, urging visitors to keep at least 23 m (≈ 75 ft) from bison, especially during the mating season when the animals can become highly aggressive.
The bison’s behavior was described as “angry, agitated and attacking anything,” and park officials have opened an investigation into the attack.