Yellowstone Visitor Launches Skyward After Bison Encounter
Yellowstone bison tosses visitor into the air – A 65-year-old man sustained serious injuries on July 10 when a bison charged and hurled him into the air at Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred at Bridge Bay Campground, situated near Lake Yellowstone, where emergency medical responders transported the injured man to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Park authorities have not released detailed information about the attack, but they confirmed that the man was injured by a bison during his visit. The situation was captured on video by fellow visitor Mike MacLeod, who documented the dramatic moment from start to finish.
The Dramatic Encounter
According to MacLeod’s footage, the man was initially observing a bull bison alongside his grandchild when the animal suddenly rose and began pursuing the pair through a wooded section of the campground. The bison eventually caught up to the man and launched him into the air. Fortunately, the grandchild appeared to emerge from the incident without any injuries.
MacLeod later shared additional context with Cowboy State Daily, noting that the same bison had previously charged at a group of children in the area. This suggests the animal may have been particularly agitated during the encounter.
It remains unclear exactly how far the man and his grandchild were from the bison before the charge began. Yellowstone National Park maintains strict safety guidelines for wildlife viewing, requiring visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from bison and 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars. Most injuries involving bison in the park occur when visitors fail to maintain adequate distance from the animals.
Humor in the Midst of Pain
MacLeod provided a detailed account to MTN News, a network of CBS television stations across Montana, describing how he and other visitors rushed to assist the injured man. Despite the severity of the incident, the man remained in good spirits throughout the ordeal.
When he was down on the ground, after things were settling down a little bit, I said, ‘Hey you know as a former U.S. Army paratrooper, I give that landing like a 9.5 out of 10,’ and he’s like, ‘Well if you just caught me 5 years ago, I could’ve done better.’ So he was jovial, trying to make light of his pain, but he was obviously in a lot of pain.
The man’s family informed NBC News that he underwent surgery following the attack and remains hospitalized. MacLeod has maintained contact with the family and shared updates about the man’s condition. According to MacLeod, the man has sustained a broken leg in multiple locations. Medical professionals have indicated that while recovery is expected, it will be an extended process.
Timing and Context
This incident occurred during the bison mating season, commonly referred to as the rut, which spans from June through September. During this period, bull bison frequently exhibit increased aggression and unpredictable behavior, making them more dangerous to visitors than usual.
The attack follows another recent bison-related injury within Yellowstone. In late June, a 12-year-old visitor was hospitalized after an encounter with a bison, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns during this active season.
Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest public bison herd in the United States. These impressive animals can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds and reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them faster than most people can outrun. Park officials consistently remind visitors that wildlife poses genuine dangers regardless of how calm the animals may appear, and they urge travelers to provide all animals with ample space during their visits.
This story has been updated to incorporate new information and video footage of the incident.
