A 65-year-old grandfather from Washington state has been left seriously injured after a shocking encounter with a bison at Yellowstone National Park. Carl McDaniel was visiting the park with his grandson on Friday when he was violently tossed into the air by the aggressive bull animal, weighing in at an astonishing 2,000lb (900kg). The incident occurred at the Bridge Bay Campground and has left many shaken.
Witnesses have described how Mr. McDaniel and his grandson were maintaining a "respectful distance" from the bison before it suddenly charged. Mike MacLeod, a former combat photographer who filmed the incident, stated that the animal initially appeared to be charging at a passing pickup truck but then targeted Mr. McDaniel and his grandson after the vehicle had passed.
Mr. McDaniel, who serves on several community boards in East Whatcom county, Washington, underwent surgery after being rushed to hospital by park emergency medical personnel. The National Park Service (NPS) has confirmed the incident and is urging visitors to remain vigilant about wildlife interactions, particularly during the bison's rutting season which typically runs from June until September.
The dramatic footage of the encounter has sparked renewed debate over visitor safety guidelines in national parks. The NPS advises visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 metres) from all animals, including bison and elk, and 100 yards (90 metres) from more dangerous predators like bears, wolves, and cougars. Mr. MacLeod highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of these guidelines, citing multiple instances later that day where visitors were dangerously close to wildlife.
As Mr. McDaniel continues his recovery in hospital, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals in national parks. Authorities are urging all visitors to exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to safety guidelines to avoid similar incidents.