Man tossed into the air by ‘agitated’ bull bison was grandfather visiting Yellowstone with grandson

Lead

A 65-year-old grandfather was attacked by a bull bison at Yellowstone National Park on Friday evening, an encounter that left him with multiple injuries and was captured on video by a nearby photographer. The victim, identified by US media as Carl Isom-McDaniel, was tossed 8ft into the air by the animal at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake. He was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery for a broken femur.

Coverage Comparison

Initial reports of the incident focused on the dramatic details of the attack. The BBC reported that a 2,000lb bull bison attacked the man, who sustained multiple injuries and was taken to hospital. The incident occurred in the final hour before sunset, and the National Park Service advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison.

The Guardian provided a more sensational account, with witness and expert perspectives, noting that the bison appeared "agitated, pissed off and charging anything and everything." A photographer, Mike MacLeod, captured the incident on video and helped distract the animal. The Guardian also carried first-person accounts from witnesses and experts.

In a follow-up, The Guardian reported that the victim, Carl McDaniel, spoke out about the incident, saying he believed the bison spared his life by choosing not to gore him. The interview with CNN revealed that McDaniel's femur was broken in four places, and he described the encounter as "not as catastrophic as it could have been."

Key Claims

• A 2,000lb bull bison attacked a 65-year-old man at Yellowstone National Park; the man sustained multiple injuries and was taken to hospital.
• The incident occurred at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake.
• The National Park Service advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison.
• Bison rutting season, which can make the animals more aggressive, was underway.
• The victim was tossed 8ft in the air by the bison.
• A photographer, Mike MacLeod, captured the incident on video and helped distract the bison.
• The victim's name is Carl Isom-McDaniel.
• The victim's grandson was with him during the incident; the grandson was uninjured.

Perspectives

Carl McDaniel (Victim)

McDaniel said he and his grandson were about 100 yards away from the bison when they stopped to take pictures. He told CNN that the animal did not appear aggressive initially, but then charged. When he was on the ground, he said, "He could have stomped on me; he could have gored me; he could have done almost anything to take my life – and he did not do so." He praised the campers who helped him.

Mike MacLeod (Photographer/Witness)

MacLeod, who recorded the attack, described the bison as "agitated, pissed off and charging anything and everything." He noted that McDaniel and his grandson were at a "respectful distance" and "did not ask for it." He also observed other visitors being closer and more aggressive later that day.

National Park Service (Guidance)

The NPS advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison and says that "bison may appear tranquil, but these large animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal." The NPS has not released information about this specific attack, and the BBC has asked for comment.