Bison Flings Grandfather Eight Feet into the Air at Yellowstone National Park – Victim Shares His Story Despite Serious Injuries

A dramatic and frightening encounter at Yellowstone National Park has gone viral after a bison suddenly charged and launched a 65-year-old grandfather eight feet into the air. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred on July 10 and has sparked renewed conversations about wildlife safety in America’s iconic national parks.

The man at the center of the attack has been identified as Carl McDaniel. He was visiting the park on his annual trip with his grandson when the unexpected encounter took place. In an interview with CNN, McDaniel detailed his injuries, revealing that he broke his femur in four places near his hip. He will require physical therapy in the coming days to regain his ability to walk and reported that he was able to stand again as of July 13.

McDaniel’s family had earlier informed NBC News that he had undergone surgery and was recovering in a hospital. The National Park Service issued a statement confirming the incident: “A 65-year-old man was injured by a bison on the evening of July 10 at Bridge Bay Campground near Lake Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park. Park emergency medical personnel responded and transported him to a nearby hospital. There are no further details to share.”

The photographer who recorded the shocking moment, Mike MacLeod, emphasized that McDaniel and his grandson did not appear to do anything wrong or violate park guidelines. Speaking to TODAY on July 13, MacLeod explained, “They were doing everything right. They were respectful, and once the bison showed any agitation, they left, and they were just at the wrong time in the wrong place.”

What the Viral Video Shows

The footage captures the intense sequence of events. Initially, McDaniel and his grandson are seen taking photographs of the bison resting calmly in the grass. The animal then rolls over before suddenly charging toward a passing car. Moments later, the bison turns its attention to McDaniel, who begins running to escape. The powerful animal pursues him through several trees before catching up and ramming him with its head.

The force of the impact sends McDaniel flying through the air, flipping over before he crashes back to the ground. The video ends with the bison standing over him, creating an alarming scene that quickly spread across social media.

McDaniel Shares His Account of the Terrifying Encounter

In his interview with CNN, McDaniel described how the situation escalated quickly. He and his grandson had been approximately 100 yards away from the bison, which initially showed no signs of aggression. After taking a few pictures, they continued walking. According to McDaniel, the driver of a passing truck honked his horn, possibly to move the animal, which appeared to provoke it.

When the bison charged, McDaniel made a split-second decision to protect his grandson. “I told my grandson to run in one direction and I went the other to try and draw him away,” he recalled.

After being thrown into the air, McDaniel found himself on the ground, unable to move. Remarkably, he avoided further injury despite the bison standing directly over him. “He was right on top of me,” McDaniel said with gratitude. “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.”v

McDaniel underwent surgery on July 12. He expressed appreciation for those who came to his aid and relief that the encounter did not end more tragically.

Eyewitness Perspective from the Photographer

Mike MacLeod, who captured the entire incident on camera before rushing over to help, described the rapid shift in atmosphere. “It went from a little bit of amusing to watch to critical emergency,” he told TODAY. When he saw the bison standing aggressively over McDaniel, MacLeod stopped filming to assist. He was soon joined by other campers who helped chase the bison away and provided aid to the injured man.

Why Bison Attacks Occur and How to Stay Safe

Unfortunately, bison attacks at Yellowstone are not uncommon. Just last month, a 12-year-old boy was hospitalized after being mauled by one of the animals. In June 2022, two people were gored within days of each other. A month earlier, a 25-year-old woman was tossed 10 feet into the air by a bison.

Bison are the largest land mammals in North America. Yellowstone National Park is home to between 3,000 and 6,000 of them — the only place in the United States where they have lived continuously since prehistoric times. These powerful creatures can run up to 35 miles per hour. Adult males can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, while females can reach 1,000 pounds.

The National Park Service provides clear guidelines for visitors to minimize the risk of dangerous encounters. It is recommended to stay at least 25 yards away from bison at all times. If an animal begins showing signs of agitation — such as bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing the ground, bellowing, or raising its tail — it is crucial to move away immediately.

“Do not stand your ground! Immediately walk or run away from the animal. If the bison follows you, spray bear spray as you are moving away, and seek cover behind nearby trees or cars,” the NPS advises.

The best way to observe wildlife in Yellowstone is from inside a vehicle. If an animal approaches while you are on foot, the recommendation is to slowly back away to maintain a safe distance. Never feed animals or leave food unattended, as this can lead to dangerous behavior.

The Department of the Interior notes that a bison’s tail can indicate its mood. When the tail hangs down and switches naturally, the animal is typically calm. However, if the tail stands straight up, it may be a warning sign that a charge is possible. Regardless of visible cues, visitors should remember that bison are unpredictable and capable of charging without warning.

Carl McDaniel’s frightening experience serves as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of wild animals, even in areas where visitors are educated about safety protocols. Despite following recommended guidelines, he and his grandson found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. His survival and relatively limited injuries, given the circumstances, have been described as fortunate by many who have seen the video.

As McDaniel begins his recovery process with physical therapy, his story highlights both the beauty and the potential dangers of America’s national parks. Yellowstone continues to attract millions of visitors each year who hope to witness its incredible wildlife, but incidents like this underscore the importance of respecting wild animals and maintaining safe distances at all times.

McDaniel’s courage in sharing his account may help raise awareness about bison safety, potentially preventing similar encounters in the future. For now, he is focused on healing and is grateful to be alive after a close call with one of nature’s most formidable creatures.