A 65-year-old American grandfather has been hospitalised with multiple injuries after being charged and gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. Carl Isom-McDaniel was reportedly tossed metres into the air during the attack, which occurred on Friday evening at Bridge Bay Campground, near Yellowstone Lake.
Viral footage of the incident shows Mr Isom-McDaniel and his grandson appearing to take a photograph of the large bull bison as it lay in the grass. The animal then quickly rose to its feet and pursued the pair as they attempted to flee through a thicket of trees. Witnesses described Mr Isom-McDaniel as being in considerable pain following the encounter, which saw the bison hook him with its horn.
The National Park Service (NPS) has consistently warned visitors about the unpredictable nature of bison, stating that these animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other. They advise maintaining a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 metres) from bison at all times and explicitly caution against approaching them for photographs. Despite their seemingly calm demeanour, bison can run three times faster than humans, making escape difficult once they charge.
The incident coincides with Yellowstone's busiest season, with nearly 60% of annual visits occurring between June and August. July is also the peak breeding period for bison, a time when testosterone levels in bulls are heightened, making them potentially more aggressive and unpredictable. Wildlife experts, such as Jennifer Barfield from Colorado's Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd, emphasise the need for extreme caution during this time, recommending that observers remain in vehicles for safety.
This event serves as a stark reminder for all visitors to national parks, including the many British tourists who travel to the US, to adhere strictly to wildlife safety guidelines. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals travelling to the US to familiarise themselves with local laws and customs, which would include park regulations on wildlife interaction. While the NPS has not yet released specific information on this attack, the general advice remains clear: give wild animals ample space to ensure personal safety.