Bison Attack Survivor Speaks Out
A Yellowstone National Park visitor is sharing the frightening details of a bison attack that left him hospitalized after the massive animal charged at him and tossed him several feet into the air. The man, identified as 65-year old Carl Isom McDaniel, said the encounter happened so quickly that he barely had time to react.
Grandfather Attacked While Visiting Yellowstone With Grandson
McDaniel was visiting Yellowstone National Park with his 13-year-old grandson when the pair encountered a bull bison near the Bridge Bay Campground area. The animal initially appeared calm, but the situation quickly changed when the bison charged toward him.
During the attack, the bison lifted McDaniel off the ground and threw him approximately eight feet into the air. The force of the impact left him with severe injuries, including a broken femur that fractured in multiple places.
Injuries Required Surgery and Hospital Treatment
McDaniel was transported for medical care following the incident and later underwent surgery to repair his injuries. While recovering from his hospital bed, he described the experience as a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable wild animals can be.
He said the speed of the bison was something he underestimated, explaining that visitors may not realize how quickly these large animals can move. Despite their size, bison can run at speeds much faster than humans, making it extremely dangerous for people to get too close.
Witnesses Say He Tried to Protect His Grandson
According to witnesses, McDaniel acted quickly to get his grandson away from danger when the bison became aggressive. A nearby photographer captured part of the encounter and said the bison moved toward McDaniel before throwing him into the air.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks visitors face when approaching wildlife in national parks. Officials have repeatedly warned that animals such as bison, elk, and bears are wild creatures that can react unpredictably when they feel threatened.
Yellowstone Officials Remind Visitors to Keep Their Distance
Yellowstone National Park officials have continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. The National Park Service recommends that visitors stay at least 25 yards away from bison and other large animals.
Officials have said the bison involved in the attack will not be removed from the park, noting that wildlife encounters are often caused by visitors getting too close to animals in their natural environment.
As McDaniel continues recovering, he hopes his experience serves as a warning to other Yellowstone visitors. While national parks offer opportunities to see wildlife up close, officials say those encounters should always happen from a safe distance.
