Additional Coverage:
- Bison victim speaks out after wild attack: ‘They move faster than you could ever imagine’ (foxnews.com)
A grandfather from Kendall, Washington, Carl Isom-McDaniel, is sharing his ordeal after a frightening bison attack at Yellowstone National Park left him with a severely broken leg. The incident occurred on July 10 near Bridge Bay Campground by Yellowstone Lake.
Isom-McDaniel described the attack from his hospital room at Bozeman Health in Southwest Montana, where he is recovering after surgery. “We saw the bison, and he was down, not showing aggression at first.
Then he picked a target – me,” he said. He emphasized how surprisingly fast bison can move.
“He just kept coming, more aggressive, and as soon as he got off the tree, he launched me into the air,” the grandfather recounted.
The force of the attack caused multiple fractures to his femur, requiring surgical intervention. Medical staff confirmed the severity of his injuries, noting the bone was broken into several pieces.
Isom-McDaniel was accompanied by his grandson during the incident. His primary concern was his grandson’s safety, urging him to get to a nearby amphitheater while he faced the bison alone.
Photographer Mike McLeod witnessed the attack and believes the grandfather’s actions protected his grandson from harm. “It really felt like the grandfather took the brunt of the attack,” McLeod said, recalling how he stopped filming to help shoo the bison away and assist Isom-McDaniel.
Remarkably, despite the trauma and multiple fractures, the victim remained conscious throughout the ordeal. The bison had previously charged at a group of teenagers nearby before focusing on Isom-McDaniel and his grandson, though neither had provoked the animal.
Campers and bystanders quickly responded when the situation escalated, helping to deter the bison and provide aid until the animal moved on.
Isom-McDaniel expressed gratitude for the care he has received and maintained a calm outlook despite the frightening experience. “I always felt safe and secure. I wasn’t ever terrified,” he shared.
Authorities are currently assessing the incident and determining the fate of the bison involved.