Grandfather Tossed into the Air by Yellowstone Bison Speaks Out After Surgery with Surprising Message for the Animal

The grandfather who became an overnight internet sensation after being dramatically hurled through the air by a massive bull bison in Yellowstone National Park has reassured the public that he is recovering well. Carl Isom-McDaniel, 65, underwent surgery for serious injuries but emerged with a remarkably positive outlook — and an unexpected message of appreciation for the very animal that attacked him.

Isom-McDaniel was visiting Yellowstone with his 13-year-old grandson when the frightening encounter occurred Friday night at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake. The bull bison tossed him approximately eight feet into the air, resulting in a severe break to his femur — the strongest bone in the human body — fractured in four places near the hip. Despite the painful ordeal, he was already able to stand on Monday following surgery the previous day, he shared in an interview with CNN.

In a heartfelt Facebook update posted late Sunday, the retiree from Kendall, Washington, wrote: “Thank you everyone I am OK,” accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji. His calm and grateful tone quickly resonated with followers, many of whom had been concerned after the viral video spread rapidly across social media.

What surprised many was Isom-McDaniel’s compassionate perspective toward the bison itself. While lying immobile on the ground after the impact, he realized the powerful animal was standing directly over him. Rather than causing further harm, the bison chose to walk away.

“When I was on the ground immobile, unable to move, he was right on top of me,” McDaniel told CNN. “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.” His words reflect a deep respect for wildlife and a forgiving spirit that has drawn widespread admiration.

Professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who filmed the entire dramatic sequence, confirmed that Isom-McDaniel remained in good spirits even immediately after the attack. Despite being in significant pain, the grandfather was conscious, joking with those around him, and primarily concerned about whether the public would blame him for provoking the animal.

“He was in a lot of pain, but was conscious and joking the whole time,” MacLeod told Cowboy State Daily. “He was really worried and wanted to see the video to make sure that it wasn’t his fault. It’s not his fault. You can tell from the very beginning. That was a really, really angry bison.”

The incident unfolded during the early stages of bison mating season, a period when bulls experience heightened testosterone levels, making them more aggressive and territorial. Earlier that evening, the same animal had already charged at several groups of visitors, including a cluster of teenage boys who managed to scatter to safety. After the initial confrontations, the bison rested near a picnic table scattered with leftover food just off a campground road.

Isom-McDaniel and his grandson had stopped their pickup truck to observe and photograph the animal, unaware of its agitated condition. According to MacLeod, the bison suddenly sat up and fixed its gaze on them. As soon as they stopped taking pictures, it stood and the grandfather instinctively sensed danger, urging his grandson that it was time to leave.

Another passing vehicle momentarily distracted the bison, but once it moved on, the animal focused its fury on the pair. It chased them around a grove of pine trees. The quick-footed 13-year-old escaped, but his grandfather was caught. The bison hooked him with its left horn near the hip and launched him airborne in a scene that has since captivated millions of viewers.

MacLeod watched the horror unfold from a short distance and described the bison’s body language as unmistakably furious, with its head rearing aggressively. Fearing the worst as the animal loomed over the fallen man, the photographer dropped his camera and rushed forward.

“I put my camera down and I ran at the bison pumping my arms up and down, yelling at the top of my lungs and jumping up trying to look big and intimidating,” he recalled. Several other bystanders joined the effort, shouting and waving to scare the animal away. Their courageous intervention succeeded, and the bison eventually retreated.

Fellow park visitors stayed by Isom-McDaniel’s side, providing comfort and support until a park ambulance arrived roughly 10 minutes later. He was transported to a medical facility for urgent treatment. His rapid progress post-surgery — standing the very next day — highlights both modern medical care and his own strong physical resilience.

Park officials continually remind visitors that bison are wild and powerful animals capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph despite their size. Regulations require maintaining at least 75 feet of distance, especially during mating season when encounters become more dangerous. This period overlaps with peak tourist season, increasing the chances of close interactions.

MacLeod stressed that Isom-McDaniel and his grandson, like other visitors he observed that day, were keeping a respectful distance and did nothing to provoke the charge. The photographer’s footage clearly shows the bison’s unprompted aggression, helping to absolve the family of any blame.

Back home in Kendall, Washington, Isom-McDaniel is known as a dedicated community leader. He serves on multiple local boards, including water and parks commissions, and chairs a community newsletter. His commitment to public service and family life adds depth to his story, portraying him as a man who values connection — whether with neighbors or, apparently, with nature itself.

This incident marks at least the latest in a series of bison-related injuries in Yellowstone, where wildlife encounters occasionally turn hazardous despite safety education efforts. Previous cases, including injuries to children, have similarly highlighted the need for caution around these majestic but unpredictable creatures.

Isom-McDaniel’s surprising gratitude toward the bison has sparked thoughtful discussions online about human-wildlife coexistence. Many commenters praised his perspective as a refreshing reminder to respect nature’s power while appreciating its restraint. His ability to find positivity after such a traumatic event has inspired messages of support from around the world.

As he continues recovering, the grandfather’s experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to human resilience. Yellowstone National Park remains one of America’s most treasured natural destinations, offering breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. However, stories like this reinforce the importance of heeding park guidelines and treating wild animals with the distance and reverence they deserve.

For Carl Isom-McDaniel, the viral ordeal will likely become a cherished family anecdote of survival and unexpected mercy. His thumbs-up recovery update and kind words for the bison reflect a man who not only endured a life-threatening encounter but emerged with grace, humor, and wisdom. As he heals, visitors to Yellowstone and nature enthusiasts everywhere can draw valuable lessons from his story about safety, respect, and the surprising compassion that can arise even in moments of danger.