Human Faces a Hefty Bison in Yellowstone
On 13 July 2026 a 2,000‑lb (900‑kg) bull bison rushed towards 65‑year‑old Carl Isom‑McDaniel at Bridge Bay Campground, throwing him several metres into the air while he and his grandson were taking photographs.
The incident was captured on a camera by the victim’s grandson, and the footage quickly went viral, prompting questions about how visitors interact with wildlife in national parks.
Witnesses say Isom‑McDaniel sustained multiple injuries, was described as “in a lot of pain,” and was taken to a hospital. The National Park Service (NPS) has not yet issued a formal statement about the event.
The NPS advises all visitors to keep a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 m) from bison and to never approach them to take photographs.
Experts explain that the incident occurred during peak summer visitation and coincides with the bison breeding season, a period when testosterone levels are high and bulls are more unpredictable.
“We see these animals as tranquil, but they have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other species,” the NPS website states. “They can run three times faster than humans, so giving them plenty of space is crucial.”
During summer 60 % of Yellowstone’s annual visitors come, making human‑animal encounters more likely. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of visitor education and robust wildlife‑management policies.
For further safety guidelines, the NPS recommends reviewing the park’s official safety page at https://www.nps.gov/youo/planyourvisit/visittips.htm or contacting park staff directly.
