A 65-year-old grandfather who was violently tossed into the air by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park has been identified as Carl Isom-McDaniel from Washington state. The dramatic attack left him with multiple broken bones after the animal charged while he was with his grandson near the Bridge Bay Campground. Despite the severity of his injuries, Carl reportedly remained conscious, stayed in good spirits and even cracked jokes while waiting for emergency responders. The incident, captured on video by a nearby photographer, has renewed attention on the dangers of approaching wildlife during Yellowstone’s busy summer season and the importance of following park safety guidelines.
Who is Carl Isom-McDaniel? The 65-year-old grandfather attacked by a Yellowstone bison
Carl Isom-McDaniel is the 65-year-old Washington state resident who was injured in the Yellowstone bison attack. He was visiting the national park with his grandson when the incident occurred. According to witness Mike MacLeod, the pair were filming the bison when the animal suddenly stood up and charged. Carl suffered the brunt of the attack, while his grandson managed to get out of the animal’s path.The attack took place near Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park. Witness Mike MacLeod, who filmed the incident, said the bull bison appeared agitated before charging. According to his account, the animal had already shown aggressive behaviour by confronting other visitors and even a passing vehicle before turning towards Carl and his grandson.MacLeod said Carl attempted to move behind nearby trees as the bison approached, but the animal reached him, hooked him with one of its horns and launched him several feet into the air. The bison remained close to Carl after he landed, displaying aggressive behaviour before bystanders shouted and moved towards it, causing the animal to back away.
What injuries did Carl suffer?
The attack left Carl with multiple broken bones and a painful leg injury. Despite the seriousness of his condition, witnesses said he remained conscious throughout the incident. Emergency responders later transported him to hospital for treatment.MacLeod told The New York Times that Carl stayed remarkably calm despite his injuries.“He was in a lot of pain with his leg, and otherwise he was conscious the whole time, in good spirits, joking.”The incident occurred during the bison rut, or mating season, when bull bison become more territorial and aggressive. During this period, male bison often react unpredictably to people, vehicles and other animals that they perceive as threats.MacLeod said the bull appeared unusually agitated and had been charging at anything in its path before the encounter with Carl.According to MacLeod, Carl and his grandson did not appear to be deliberately approaching the bison. He said the pair seemed to be observing the animal from what looked like a reasonable distance when it unexpectedly charged towards them.The National Park Service has not publicly stated that the visitors violated park regulations, and the exact distance between them and the bison has not been confirmed.
Yellowstone’s safety guidelines
Yellowstone National Park advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 metres) away from bison, elk and other large animals, and at least 100 yards (91 metres) away from bears and wolves. Visitors are also advised never to approach wildlife, even if the animals appear calm, and to move away immediately if an animal changes its behaviour or begins approaching.Bison may appear slow, but they can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (about 900 kilograms) and run at speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h), making them one of the park’s most dangerous wild animals.
Bison encounters are so dangerous
Bison are responsible for more injuries to visitors in Yellowstone than any other wild animal. Their massive size, speed and unpredictable behaviour, particularly during the breeding season, make close encounters extremely risky.Park officials regularly remind visitors that bison are wild animals, not tourist attractions. Even experienced photographers and wildlife watchers are encouraged to maintain a safe distance, as the animals can charge without warning if they feel threatened or disturbed.
