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Yellowstone Visitor Tossed by Bison Speaks from Hospital as Park Keeps Animal in Place

His video-backed account underscores how bison rut can make bulls suddenly aggressive, prompting officials to repeat safety warnings while they monitor the animal.

Overview

  • The attack occurred on July 10 at Bridge Bay Campground when a bull bison charged a 65-year-old grandfather, hurled him into the air and left him with a femur broken in multiple places.
  • The victim, Carl Isom-McDaniel, underwent surgery at Bozeman Health and spoke from his hospital bed describing how he saved his grandson by directing him to safety before being struck.
  • Professional photographer Mike MacLeod filmed the incident, helped haze the bison away with other bystanders, visited the victim in hospital and said the animal had been agitated earlier in the campground.
  • Yellowstone officials have decided not to euthanize or relocate the bison and say they will monitor and review the animal rather than take management action.
  • Experts and park staff point to bison mating season as a cause of increased bull aggression, and officials have reiterated rules to keep a safe viewing distance to reduce visitor injuries.