A quiet Friday evening at Yellowstone National Park’s Bridge Bay Campground turned violent on July 10, 2026, when a bull bison charged a man walking with his grandson, tossing him about eight feet into the air and leaving him with serious injuries.

What Happened

The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming. According to witness accounts, the bull had been roaming the campground and had earlier charged a group of teenagers, who ran behind vehicles and tents before the animal turned toward the grandfather and his grandson. The injured man was later identified as Carl Isom-McDaniel.

Montana photographer Mike MacLeod, who was camping nearby, captured the incident on video. He said the bison appeared agitated, “pumping its feet and head” before charging. The animal hooked Isom-McDaniel with its horns and tossed him into the air before he landed on the ground with serious injuries. The bison remained nearby until MacLeod and several other campers shouted and waved to drive it away, allowing bystanders to reach the injured man.

Yellowstone National Park emergency responders treated Isom-McDaniel at the scene before he was transported for additional medical care. Witnesses said he and his grandson appeared to be more than the park’s recommended 25-yard minimum distance from the bison before it suddenly closed the gap and charged. The incident occurred during Yellowstone’s annual bison rut, which typically runs from late June through September, when bulls become more aggressive.

Bison: Yellowstone’s Leading Cause of Wildlife Injuries

According to the National Park Service, bison have injured more visitors in Yellowstone than any other wild animal since 1980.

Between 1978 and 1992, bison injured 56 people and killed two. A peer-reviewed study examining incidents from 2000 through 2015 documented 25 additional injuries, finding that about half occurred while visitors were attempting to photograph the animals and that most injured people had approached closer than the recommended safety distance. Researchers have estimated that bison injure about four people each year in Yellowstone on average.

Yellowstone is home to an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 bison, making them the park’s most abundant large mammal. Adult bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, run up to 35 mph—roughly three times faster than most people can run—and can pivot quickly despite their size.

Why Bison Are Often Misjudged

Although bison frequently appear calm while grazing near roads, campgrounds, and developed areas, they remain wild animals capable of charging with little warning, particularly during the breeding season or when they perceive a threat.

The National Park Service advises visitors to remain at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, deer, moose, and coyotes, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Bottom Line

Despite Yellowstone’s reputation for grizzly bears and wolves, bison are responsible for more visitor injuries than any other wild animal in the park. The Bridge Bay Campground attack serves as another reminder that even animals that appear calm can become dangerous without warning, and that maintaining a safe distance is essential whenever wildlife is nearby.