Yellowstone Park Officials Spare Bison That Severely Injured Grandfather in Viral Attack

Yellowstone National Park officials have decided not to euthanize a bull bison responsible for seriously injuring a grandfather in a high-impact attack at Bridge Bay Campground. The man suffered multiple broken bones requiring surgery, yet park leadership determined the wild animal posed no grounds for removal or termination.

The Attack

The incident occurred at Bridge Bay Campground, located south of Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone. A grandfather and his grandson were walking along a campground road when the bull bison unexpectedly charged them. Professional wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod, who was camping in the area, captured the violent encounter on camera. The photographer said the pair had maintained what would typically be considered a safe distance—approximately 100 yards—from the animal.

According to MacLeod's account, the bison had already charged a group of teenagers moments earlier, but those individuals managed to scatter safely. The animal then appeared to settle, lying down in the dirt near the roadside. However, when a white pickup truck passed nearby, the bison became agitated again and redirected its aggression toward the grandfather and grandson. MacLeod described seeing the grandfather decide it was time to leave and attempt to move behind nearby trees, but the bison caught up to them before they could reach safety.

Response and Recovery

The grandfather was thrown approximately 8 feet into the air by the charging animal and sustained serious injuries. MacLeod, a former Army combat photographer, immediately stopped recording and ran to assist alongside other bystanders. He worked to drive the bison away and provide aid to the injured man. The photographer later expressed relief that his grandson had escaped without injury. The grandfather's immediate concern following the attack was the welfare of his younger companion rather than his own condition.

After receiving emergency care, the grandfather underwent surgery to address his broken bones. He is currently in recovery from his injuries.

Park Decision

Despite the severity of the attack and widespread attention to the incident, the National Park Service determined that no management action would be taken against the bull. The decision reflects the agency's standard protocol regarding wildlife encounters in national parks. According to park officials cited in reports, the bison will remain in Yellowstone National Park.