Full Breakdown
Grandfather Thrown by Yellowstone Bison: A Detailed Account
7/22/2026, 1:26:28 PM
The Attack on July 10
On July 10, 65-year-old Carl Isom-McDaniel was walking with his 13-year-old grandson near Bridge Bay Campground, close to Yellowstone Lake. While they paused to photograph a bison that appeared to be grazing, the animal rose, charged, and hooked Isom-McDaniel with its horns, launching him roughly eight feet into the air. He landed on the ground with a broken femur in four places and multiple additional fractures, requiring surgery at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center in Montana. His grandson was not injured.
Background: Bison Behavior and Park Safety Guidelines
Yellowstone’s National Park Service notes that bison are the most common source of wildlife injuries in the park. Male bison become especially unpredictable during the July-August mating season, when testosterone spikes and aggression increases.
Injuries and Medical Findings
Dr. The injury was classified as a femur broken “in multiple pieces,” a severe trauma that required surgical fixation. Isom-McDaniel emphasized that the impact of the landing, rather than the horns, caused the most damage.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Photographer Mike MacLeod captured the incident on video. After the bison tossed Isom-McDaniel, MacLeod and several other campers intervened, attempting to “haze” the animal away and render aid to the victim. MacLeod later recounted that he stopped filming and rushed toward the bison to protect the injured grandfather.
Official Statements & Responses
The National Park Service reiterates its warning that bison are “wild animals and are unpredictable,” urging visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 feet (approximately 33 yards) from any bison. Bozeman Health’s Dr. Lowe confirmed the severity of the fractures and noted the patient’s stable condition following surgery. Park officials have not announced any changes to bison management policies in response to this incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the distance the victim and his grandson were from the bison at the moment of the charge. CBS News reports they were “about 100 yards away,” more than three times the recommended distance, while the National Park Service guidance cited in other reports suggests a safe distance of “100 feet” (around 33 yards). No official measurement from the scene has been released, leaving the exact proximity unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He wasn't showing aggression or anything like that until it picked a target. That target happened to be me.” — Carl Isom-McDaniel, doctor
- “They move faster than you could ever imagine.” — Carl McDaniel
- “You can see some fragments here and there are fractures and break lines right through that,” — Dr. Eric Lowe
- “I didn't get bruises from him launching me in [the] air. It was the landing that [caused] the problem,” — Carl Isom-McDaniel, doctor
- “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,” — Mike MacLeod
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the ongoing risk that large wildlife poses to park visitors, especially during mating season when bison behavior can change rapidly. It also highlights the importance of adhering to distance guidelines and the potential consequences of photographing wildlife up close.
