Elderly Tourist Recovering After Bison Toss at Yellowstone Campground

A 65-year-old man is recovering following a bison attack at Yellowstone National Park's Bridge Bay Campground near Lake Yellowstone on July 10. The grandfather was airborne when charged by the animal while attempting to photograph with his grandson, and park officials have renewed warnings about maintaining proper distance from wildlife. Bison have injured more visitors to Yellowstone than any other animal species.

The Incident

The attack occurred when the unidentified man and his grandson encountered a lone bison moving through the campsite. After the animal began running near the tents, campers shouted warnings to alert others nearby. The grandfather and grandson initially attempted to photograph the resting bison, but the animal suddenly stood and charged. During the escape attempt, the bison caught the grandfather and lifted him approximately eight feet into the air before he fell.

Mike MacLeod, a professional photographer present at the campground, captured the encounter on video. He described the bison displaying aggressive behavior, repeatedly moving its legs and head in a threatening manner. MacLeod, witnessing the attack unfold, yelled and jumped to distract the animal, then abandoned his camera to assist the injured visitor. The grandson was shaken but physically unharmed, though the grandfather's immediate concern remained focused on his grandson's safety despite his own serious injuries.

Recovery and Safety Warnings

Park emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a nearby hospital. According to MacLeod, who maintained contact with the family, the grandfather underwent successful surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Wildlife expert Ron Magill noted that summer represents a particularly dangerous period around male bison, as the animals enter their breeding season—known as the rut—when territorial behavior intensifies significantly.

Yellowstone officials have reinforced safety guidelines requiring visitors to maintain at least 25 yards distance from all large animals, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. The park emphasized that bison are unpredictable, capable of running three times faster than humans, and will aggressively defend their space when they perceive threats. Officials attribute the grandfather's selection to random chance, with MacLeod noting the bison passed numerous other visitors standing much closer to reach the grandfather and grandson.