A peaceful family trip to Yellowstone National Park took a dramatic turn when a massive bull bison suddenly charged and hurled a Washington state grandfather into the air, leaving him with multiple broken bones.
The incident, which unfolded on a Friday evening at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake, has quickly gone viral thanks to striking photographs that captured the powerful animal in action.
Carl Isom-McDaniel, a 65-year-old community-oriented grandfather visiting the park with his young grandson, found himself in the path of an agitated bison during the early stages of the animals’ mating season.
Witnesses described the bull as particularly energetic and irritable, likely fueled by rising testosterone levels. Earlier that evening, the same bison had already charged at a group of teenagers, who scattered quickly, before settling down briefly near a picnic area littered with food remnants.
According to professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who was on the scene and documented the encounter, neither McDaniel nor his grandson did anything to provoke the animal. They had maintained a respectful distance, consistent with park guidelines that recommend staying at least 75 feet away from bison—especially during the busy tourist season when these encounters become more common.
The pair had simply paused to snap a few photos when the bison suddenly rose and fixed its attention on them. As tension mounted, McDaniel reportedly sensed danger and urged his grandson to move away. Another passing vehicle momentarily distracted the bison, but once it passed, the animal pursued the duo around a small cluster of pine trees.
The grandson escaped through quick maneuvering, but McDaniel was not as fortunate. The bison struck him with its left horn near the hip and launched him roughly eight feet off the ground in a scene reminiscent of a rodeo mishap.
MacLeod, watching from a short distance, immediately sprang into action. He dropped his camera, charged toward the bison while waving his arms wildly, shouting loudly, and trying to appear as large and intimidating as possible.
Other nearby visitors joined in the effort, creating enough commotion to drive the animal away from the injured man. A park ambulance arrived about ten minutes later to transport McDaniel for medical treatment.
Despite the severity of his injuries—including fractures that required hospital care—McDaniel displayed remarkable resilience. Those attending to him noted that he stayed conscious throughout and even began cracking jokes while waiting for help, easing the tension for everyone around.
MacLeod later described him as being in significant pain, particularly with his leg, but otherwise upbeat and positive given the circumstances.
This close call serves as a vivid reminder of the wild power of Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife. Bison, which can weigh well over a ton, are generally peaceful but can become unpredictable, especially during rutting season.
Park officials continually stress the importance of giving these animals ample space, as even seemingly calm encounters can escalate rapidly. McDaniel’s story, while harrowing, also highlights the quick thinking and bravery of bystanders who helped turn a dangerous situation into one where the victim could receive timely aid.
As McDaniel recovers, his experience underscores both the thrill and the inherent risks of exploring one of America’s most beloved natural treasures. Visitors are encouraged to admire the park’s majestic creatures from a safe distance to ensure memorable trips for all the right reasons.
