Additional Coverage:
- Out of control bison hurls tourist 8 feet in the air during dangerous Yellowstone attack (themirror.com)
A routine evening stroll at Yellowstone National Park took a dangerous turn last Friday when a bull bison charged a tourist, sending him airborne.
The incident happened on July 10, 2026, at Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming. An unidentified man was walking with his young grandson along the road when the agitated bison suddenly targeted them.
Nearby camper and former Army combat photographer Mike MacLeod captured the dramatic moment on video. He described the bison as “angry, agitated, and charging anything and everything.”
Before charging the grandfather, the bull had already chased a group of children taking photos and aggressively approached a passing white pickup truck. Witnesses say the grandfather and grandson had initially kept a safe distance of about 100 yards, well beyond the recommended distance by the National Park Service.
Attempting to seek refuge, the pair moved behind a small cluster of pine trees. Unfortunately, the bison pursued them, crashing into the trees.
While the grandson managed to escape unharmed, the grandfather was not as lucky. The bison hooked its left horn into the man’s hip and flipped him approximately eight feet into the air before he landed hard on his side.
Bystanders quickly rushed to distract the animal, allowing emergency responders to arrive and provide medical aid. The man sustained a broken hip and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
This attack highlights the heightened danger during Yellowstone’s bison rut season, which lasts from July through September. During this period, bulls become highly territorial and unpredictable due to increased testosterone levels. Park experts urge visitors to keep their distance, avoid eye contact, and calmly move away if they encounter these animals.