Yellowstone National Park officials announced they will take “no management action” after a Yellowstone bison attack in which a bull charged and tossed a grandfather in a campground, the park said. The incident left the man with multiple broken bones; a wildlife photographer captured video of the encounter that circulated online. Park managers said the bull will remain in the park.
What happened in the Yellowstone bison attack
The attack took place in a campground area where 61-year-old Carl Isom‑McDaniel was walking with his grandson, according to reporting and a video shared by wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod. The clip recorded by MacLeod shows a bull bison charge and toss McDaniel several feet into the air before the animal stands over him.
MacLeod told reporters he stopped filming once McDaniel was airborne and ran with other people to haze the bison away and render aid. “Once I saw the victim in the air, I stopped filming and ran with some other men to haze the bison away and to render aid,” MacLeod said in on-camera remarks.
Social-media posts and witness accounts — which have not been independently verified by park officials — indicate the bison had earlier charged another nearby group of teenagers. Those accounts also say the child with McDaniel escaped the encounter without injury.
Park response and no management action
Yellowstone officials reviewed the circumstances and announced they do not plan to take management action against the bull involved in the incident. The park’s public statement said, after review, no action will be taken at this time; the animal will remain in the park.
Fox News Digital reported the decision and reached out to Yellowstone National Park for further comment. The park statement framed the outcome as the result of an internal review of the incident and available evidence, including the video circulated online.
Victim condition and witness accounts
Reporting indicates Isom‑McDaniel suffered multiple broken bones and later underwent surgery. Accounts say his first concern after the attack was for his grandson’s safety. Park officials have not provided a full medical update on his condition.
Witness descriptions and social posts captured immediate shock from onlookers; several visitors posted reactions to Reddit and other platforms debating how close people should be to wildlife and whether the park should intervene. Those social-media accounts remain unverified and were not treated as formal investigations by park staff.
It is standard for park wildlife managers to assess incidents using available evidence, including video, witness statements and behavior patterns, before deciding whether removal or euthanasia is warranted. In this case, Yellowstone said no removal would occur now.
How to stay safe near bison in Yellowstone (Safety guidance and park rules)
Park officials remind visitors that bison are wild animals and can be unpredictable. To reduce risk, follow these explicit safety steps and park rules:
- Remain at least 25 yards (about 75 feet) away from bison and other large animals at all times.
- Do not approach, feed, touch or attempt to photograph animals at close range.
- If an animal approaches or shows signs of agitation, back away slowly — do not run.
- Move to safety: get inside a vehicle or building if a large animal blocks your path.
- Keep children and pets under close control and within reach at all times near wildlife.
- If someone is injured, call or flag down a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention as directed by park staff.
These are not optional suggestions: Yellowstone’s visitor guidance and park rules emphasize maintaining safe distances from wildlife. Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run as fast as 30 mph, making sudden charges capable of causing severe injury in seconds.
Background and context
Bull bison can be especially aggressive during the annual mating season, when males contend for mates and are more likely to charge. The park warns that even animals that appear calm can suddenly charge if they feel threatened or if people get too close.
Rangers and park signage regularly advise visitors to keep their distance and to use binoculars or telephoto lenses for close-up viewing. Management decisions after animal-injury incidents typically weigh public safety, the animal’s history of dangerous behavior, and whether human actions provoked the encounter.
FAQ
Was the bison euthanized or removed after the attack?
No. Yellowstone officials said the bull will remain in the park and that no management action would be taken following their review.
How close can visitors safely get to bison in Yellowstone?
Visitors should remain at least 25 yards away from bison and other large animals. This distance is part of park guidance intended to reduce dangerous encounters.
What injuries did Carl Isom‑McDaniel suffer and what is his condition?
Reporting indicates Isom‑McDaniel suffered multiple broken bones and underwent surgery. He is recovering from his injuries; his immediate concern after the attack was whether his grandson was safe.
Source attribution
Primary reporting for this article came from Fox News Digital: Fox News Digital. The video of the incident was captured and shared by wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod (video and on-scene comments included in the Fox News Digital story). Social-media reactions and witness posts about the encounter appeared on Reddit and other platforms; those posts have not been independently verified by park officials.
Yellowstone National Park was contacted for comment and provided the statement saying no management action will be taken at this time.
