A Washington grandfather is counting himself fortunate after surviving a terrifying encounter with a bison in Yellowstone National Park—an incident that sent him soaring roughly eight feet into the air and left him with multiple fractures. While the dramatic footage quickly spread online, Carl Isom-McDaniel says the most painful part of the ordeal was not being tossed by the animal, but what happened when he hit the ground.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Montana in a promotional video released by Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, the 65-year-old reflected on the attack that unfolded on July 10 at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming. His account was reported by The Seattle Times, with additional reporting from The Associated Press.
Animal encounters have made headlines elsewhere too, including a civil case where a jury sided with someone injured in an entirely different kind of attack. To read more, Chris Brown Dog Attack Lawsuit Verdict: Jury Awards Nearly $13 Million to Former Housekeeper in Shocking 2026 Civil Case.
Carl Isom-McDaniel says the bison attack changed everything in seconds
According to Isom-McDaniel, he and his teenage grandson had gone for a walk after dinner when they noticed a bison resting at a nearby campsite. They stopped to take photographs, believing the animal showed no signs of aggression.
“He wasn’t showing aggression or anything like that until it picked a target. That target happened to be me,” Isom-McDaniel said in the hospital video.
A photographer who witnessed the incident, Mike MacLeod, said the bison initially became agitated by a loud truck passing nearby. After the vehicle drove away, the animal redirected its attention toward Isom-McDaniel.
Video of the incident shows the Washington community leader walking away when the bison suddenly rises and charges. The animal then hooks him with its horns—capable of reaching up to 24 inches long—and launches him into the air.
Recalling the frightening moment, Isom-McDaniel said, “They move faster than you could ever imagine. He just kept coming.”
Massive wildlife has been making waves along another coastline as well, where researchers recently tagged a record-setting predator. To read more, Contender Shark Spotted Off Outer Banks? Meet the Largest Male Great White Ever Tagged in the Atlantic.
“He could have stomped me”: Grandfather grateful to survive Yellowstone encounter
Although the viral footage captured the dramatic launch, Isom-McDaniel said the real injuries came when he landed.
“I didn’t get bruises from him launching me in air. It was the landing that became the problem.”
Dr. Eric Lowe, an emergency department physician at Bozeman Health, confirmed that Isom-McDaniel suffered a broken femur—the body’s largest and strongest bone—in four places.
Even after he fell, he knew the danger had not ended.
“Even though I was on the ground, he could have stomped me, he could have gored me, he could have done anything.”
The attack occurred despite Isom-McDaniel and his grandson standing about 100 yards away from the bison—more than three times the minimum distance recommended by the National Park Service.
Not all recent wildlife stories have ended in danger, though, as scientists recently confirmed the discovery of a primate species that had gone unnoticed for years. To read more, New African Monkey Species Hid in Plain Sight for Years? Meet Colobus congoensis (Likweli), the Rare Primate Just Discovered in the Congo.
Incident at a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Person injured | Carl Isom-McDaniel, 65 |
| Date of incident | July 10, 2026 |
| Location | Bridge Bay Campground, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
| Witness | Photographer Mike MacLeod |
| Injury | Femur broken in four places |
| Hospital | Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, Montana |
| Reported by | The Seattle Times, with material from The Associated Press |
There’s also been a lighter animal story making the rounds involving a young eagle whose rocky start had a happy ending. To read more, Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam Drama: Eaglet Sandy’s Terrifying Tumble Turns Into a Triumphant First Flight.
Yellowstone officials warn bison remain the park’s most dangerous wildlife
The campground is nearly a 15-hour drive from Isom-McDaniel’s hometown of Kendall in Whatcom County, Washington, leaving him recovering far from home.
“I’m 1,500 miles from home, in an area where I’m busted up and can’t get up and leave,” he said.
The National Park Service notes that Yellowstone records several bison attacks each year, particularly during July and August when the animals enter their mating season, known as the “rut.” During this period, male bison become significantly more territorial, aggressive and unpredictable.
Weighing up to 2,000 pounds—roughly the weight of a small car—and capable of running at speeds approaching 40 mph, bison have injured more visitors in Yellowstone than any other animal.
Shortly after the attack video went viral, Isom-McDaniel reassured friends and followers with a brief Facebook message, writing, “Thank you everyone I am O K”, followed by a thumbs-up emoji.
His experience serves as a reminder that even when visitors remain well beyond the recommended viewing distance, Yellowstone’s iconic wildlife can behave unpredictably within moments.
Nature has been unpredictable in other ways this week as well, with a storm system forcing residents along the coast to prepare for potential flooding. To read more, Tropical Storm Bertha Nears Louisiana: Beaches Close, Sandbags Fill as Gulf Coast Braces for Flooding and Powerful Winds.
Leave a Reply