New summary produced by Claude AI
A bull bison charged and rammed a 65-year-old identified as Carl Isom-McDaniel at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake, launching him into the air and causing multiple injuries. Video footage captured the incident occurring on Friday evening, showing the man and his grandson initially photographing the bison from what appeared to be a reasonable distance before the animal suddenly became agitated, repeatedly flopping on its side before rising and charging in their direction.
The bison pursued the pair as they attempted to flee through a wooded area. According to Mike Macleod, who recorded the incident, the animal hooked Isom-McDaniel with its left horn near the hip and tossed him upward. Witnesses reported the man remained conscious and in good spirits despite the impact, though he was in considerable pain, particularly in his leg. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the encounter.
The National Park Service maintains that bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal and recommends visitors maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from the creatures. The agency also discourages visitors from approaching bison to take photographs. A Colorado State University researcher noted that July coincides with the bison mating season, when testosterone levels among bulls are elevated, potentially making them more unpredictable and aggressive than during other times of the year. The incident occurred during the park’s peak visitation period, with summer months accounting for nearly 60 percent of annual visits.