Grandfather Recovering from Surgery After Dramatic Bison Attack at Yellowstone National Park

What began as a routine annual trip for a grandfather and his grandson turned into a frightening ordeal and a hospital stay after a bison encounter at Yellowstone National Park. Carl McDaniel, 65, was hospitalised with a broken femur after the animal charged and launched him into the air on Friday evening at Bridge Bay Campground.

McDaniel was visiting the park with his 13-year-old grandson when they decided to take an evening walk after dinner. Along the way, they spotted a large bison that appeared to be calmly rolling in the dust and not showing any signs of aggression. “We were about a hundred yards away,” McDaniel recalled in an interview with CNN. “He was not aggressive; he was not having problems and we took some pictures and decided to walk on.”

The pair quickly snapped a photo and continued their walk. At the same time, a passing truck driver honked loudly, seemingly trying to move the bison. Video of the incident shows no audio, but McDaniel said the sound appeared to agitate the animal. Suddenly, the bison began running toward them.

With little time to react as the bison closed the distance, McDaniel told his grandson to run in one direction while he went the other, hoping to draw the animal away. “There was little time to decide what to do. At that point, he was within 100 yards; he could be to us in seconds,” he explained.

The bison caught up to McDaniel and pushed him with its head, sending the grandfather flying through the air before he landed hard on the ground. “When I was on the ground immobile, unable to move, he was right on top of me. He could have stomped on me, he could have gored me, he could have done almost anything to take my life, and he did not do so,” McDaniel said gratefully.

Professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who captured the dramatic encounter on video, stepped in to help. “I was really afraid he was going to gore the guy on the ground, so I stopped videotaping and ran at the bison, yelled loud, and was trying to be as big and intimidating as possible,” MacLeod told Cowboy State Daily.

Once the bison moved away, fellow visitors rushed to assist McDaniel, who was in significant pain. Yellowstone emergency medical services arrived shortly afterward and transported him to a hospital. “Park emergency medical personnel responded and transported him to a nearby hospital,” the National Park Service confirmed in a statement.

This marked the second bison-related injury at Yellowstone this year. Earlier, on June 26, a 12-year-old child was injured near Mud Volcano.

McDaniel spoke highly of the people who helped him immediately after the attack. “All the people that were there were amazing; they were all positive, they were trying to help as best they could,” he said. A nurse tended to his leg while another bystander supported his head until help arrived.

He was then transferred to a hospital in Bozeman, enduring a painful two-hour journey. McDaniel expressed gratitude for the paramedic who cared for him during the transport. Doctors determined that he had broken his femur — the body’s strongest bone — in four places near the hip, along with several bruises. He underwent surgery on Sunday and was able to stand by Monday.

“I will be doing physical therapy for the next few days to get to walk, but it was not as catastrophic as it could have been,” McDaniel said, remaining positive despite his injuries.

The National Park Service strongly advises visitors to maintain a safe distance from bison at all times — at least 25 yards — and never to approach the animals. “If the bison follows you, spray bear spray as you are moving away, and seek cover behind nearby trees or cars,” the agency recommends.

McDaniel and his grandson had been enjoying a special trip together when the unexpected encounter occurred. The grandfather’s quick thinking in sending his grandson in the opposite direction likely helped protect the boy, who escaped unharmed.

Bison are powerful wild animals that can weigh over 2,000 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour. While they often appear calm, they can become unpredictable, especially during certain seasons or when they feel threatened. Park officials regularly remind visitors that these animals are wild and should be treated with respect and caution.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of wildlife safety in national parks. Even when maintaining what seems like a safe distance, sudden changes in animal behaviour can lead to dangerous situations, as McDaniel and his grandson experienced.

McDaniel’s positive attitude and gratitude toward those who helped him have resonated with many who have followed the story. His focus on recovery and appreciation for the people who assisted him reflect resilience in the face of adversity.

As he begins physical therapy and works toward regaining full mobility, McDaniel’s story highlights both the beauty and potential dangers of Yellowstone National Park. The park remains a beloved destination for millions of visitors each year, drawn to its stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife, but officials continue to stress the need for vigilance and respect for the animals that call it home.

The grandfather’s experience also underscores the kindness of strangers in times of crisis. From the photographer who intervened to the bystanders who provided immediate care and the medical professionals who treated him, McDaniel was surrounded by people willing to help during his ordeal.

As he continues his recovery, McDaniel will likely cherish the memories of the trip with his grandson while remaining cautious in future wildlife encounters. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring example of human resilience and community support in the face of unexpected danger in one of America’s most iconic national parks.