A 2,000‑lb bull bison (Bison bison) erupted toward 65‑year‑old Carl Isom‑McDaniel, ramming him and lifting him several metres off the ground at Yellowstone National Park’s Bridge Bay Campground.
Viral footage shows the man’s grandson waving a phone as the massive animal lurks beneath the grass. The bison jumps onto its hind legs then charges, flapping its wings of motiony, before it flanks the elderly man, using its left horn to hook his hip. The sudden lift flings Isom‑McDaniel into the air, where he lands on his side with a painful thud, yet remains conscious and jokingly describing the ordeal.
Isom‑McDaniel has been transported to a local hospital and is recovering from multiple injuries. Officials from the National Park Service (NPS) have yet to release an official statement on the incident, though a spokesperson has urged visitors to keep a “minimum 25‑yard distance” to any bison and never approach to take photos.
The attack occurred at 18:15 on a Friday night, as the sun dipped over Yellowstone Lake. A white pickup truck attempted to approach the scene, then fled once the bison lunged, leaving a disturbance of dust trailing behind it.
Experts explain that July marks the peak breeding season for bulls, when testosterone rises and fighters become more aggressive. Colorado State University’s Dr. Jennifer Barfield notes that the summer months also bring a 60‑percent surge in visitors, heightening potential encounters. She recommends staying outside vehicle bounds during this period.
The NPS has launched an investigation and reiterated that visitors should refrain from feeding or approaching bison. Bison are large – up to 3 times faster than humans – and can inflict serious injuries if provoked or deemed threatened.
In the virtual space of the metaworld, visitors can now explore the Bridge Bay Campground and experience a 3‑D simulation of bison behavior, reinforcing real‑world safety guidelines through immersive learning.
