In a dramatic and heart-stopping encounter at Yellowstone National Park, a 65-year-old grandfather from Washington state demonstrated extraordinary bravery by luring an aggressive 2,000-pound bull bison away from his 13-year-old grandson, only to be violently tossed approximately eight feet into the air by the animal. The incident, captured on video and witnessed by photographer Mike MacLeod, has gone viral, highlighting both the dangers of wildlife encounters in national parks and the selflessness of a protective grandparent.

The event unfolded around 8:30 p.m. on Friday at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake in Wyoming. Carl Isom-McDaniel and his grandson were among visitors observing a bison that had been wallowing in the dirt. Despite maintaining a safe distance of over 25 yards, the agitated bull suddenly charged from nearly 100 yards away.

According to MacLeod, who spoke to NewsNation and other outlets, Isom-McDaniel quickly instructed his grandson to escape in the opposite direction while he attempted to distract the animal. “He saved his grandson’s life,” the photographer emphasized. The grandson managed to evade the bison with quick footwork, but Isom-McDaniel was not as fortunate. The bison caught up to him, hooked him near the hip with its left horn, and flipped him high into the air. The animal reportedly remained aggressive, standing over him briefly after the attack.

Isom-McDaniel, a community leader from Whatcom County, Washington, who serves on several local boards and commissions, suffered multiple broken bones, including his femur—the strongest bone in the body—fractured in four places near the hip. Remarkably, he remained conscious throughout the ordeal, stayed in good spirits, and even cracked jokes while waiting for help from fellow campers and park responders. An ambulance arrived within about 10 minutes.

Following surgery, Isom-McDaniel has been recovering well. He posted a positive update, stating he is “OK” and expressing gratitude that the bison did not gore or trample him further. “He could have stomped on me, he could have gored me,” he noted in one report.

Yellowstone National Park officials have determined that the bison acted naturally, particularly during the rutting season when bulls can become more aggressive. No action will be taken against the animal, reinforcing the park’s emphasis on visitor responsibility around wildlife. Park guidelines strongly advise maintaining at least 25 yards (about 75 feet) of distance from bison.

Photographer Mike MacLeod described the sequence as involving “bad luck” after the bison stood up abruptly, prompting the pair to move away, which seemingly agitated the animal further. The video footage shows the chaotic moment, including the powerful toss and the immediate aftermath.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals in Yellowstone, home to one of the largest bison herds in the United States. While such attacks are rare, they underscore the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries and heeding park safety instructions.

Isom-McDaniel’s heroic actions have earned widespread admiration online, with many praising his quick thinking that protected his grandson.

Sources: New York Post