Summary (tl;dr)

A 65-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being violently tossed eight feet into the air by an agitated bull bison at Yellowstone National Park's Bridge Bay Campground, an event captured on video.

Essential Background

Yellowstone National Park is home to thousands of wild bison, which are powerful and unpredictable animals capable of running up to 35 mph and weighing over 2,000 pounds. They are responsible for more visitor injuries in the park than any other animal. Park regulations mandate visitors stay at least 25 yards away from bison, and 100 yards from bears and wolves, to ensure both human and animal safety. The current period is also bison rutting season, when males can be particularly aggressive.

The Full Story

On Friday, July 10, 2026, a 65-year-old man, identified as Carl Isom-McDaniel, was seriously injured after being attacked by a bull bison at the Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park. Professional photographer Mike MacLeod recorded the incident, which shows an agitated bison charging Isom-McDaniel and his grandson, eventually hooking the man with its horn and tossing him several feet into the air. The victim reportedly suffered serious internal injuries and broken bones and was transported to a nearby hospital. This marks the second bison-related injury in Yellowstone National Park in 2026; a 12-year-old was previously injured near Mud Volcano on June 26. Witnesses noted that the bison appeared to be the aggressor in the Bridge Bay incident, dispelling notions that the man had approached too closely.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the critical importance of respecting wildlife and adhering to national park safety guidelines, even when animals appear to be the instigators. The widely circulated video serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature and immense power of bison, reinforcing the necessity for visitors to maintain safe distances and be aware of their surroundings. Such events continue to draw attention to visitor safety in wilderness areas and prompt ongoing discussions about human-wildlife interactions.

Geographic Location

• Bridge Bay Campground, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States (man tossed by bison)
• Mud Volcano, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States (12-year-old injured by bison)