🔥 Trending Yellowstone Bison Attack: What We Know So Far

A 65-year-old grandfather was seriously injured after being charged and tossed into the air by a bison at Yellowstone National Park on Friday, July 11, 2026 ¹²⁴⁹. The incident occurred near a campground road, specifically at the Bridge Bay Campground, south of Fishing Bridge ³⁹.

Details of the Attack

The man, whose identity was not immediately released but later identified as Carl Isom-McDaniel, was walking with his grandson when the bison charged ¹²¹⁰. Video footage captured the moment the bison, described as a visibly agitated bull, hooked and threw the man approximately eight feet into the air ³⁴⁶⁸. Witnesses reported that the man attempted to run away from the animal before the charge ¹. One witness, professional photographer Mike MacLeod, suggested that the grandfather may have intentionally put himself between the bison and his grandson, potentially saving the boy from the attack ⁹¹⁰.

Injuries and Recovery

The man was hospitalized and is recovering from surgery ¹²³. His condition was described as serious ⁵⁹. The incident turned what was an annual trip for the grandfather and grandson into a visit to a Montana hospital ².

Park Response and Bison's Fate

Yellowstone National Park officials confirmed that the bison involved in the attack will not be euthanized ⁷. The park's decision aligns with its policy regarding wildlife encounters, as the animal will remain in the park ⁷. The incident occurred during the bison mating season, a time when these animals can be more aggressive ⁵.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife in national parks.