Tourist, 65, Seriously Injured After Bull Bison Tosses Him in Yellowstone National Park Friday

A tourist was seriously injured on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026, when a bull bison charged and tossed him approximately eight feet into the air at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park.

The victim, whose name has not been publicly released by authorities or family members, is an approximately 65-year-old man (described as a grandfather) who was walking with his young grandson at the time. His nationality has also not been disclosed in available reports.

Professional photographer Mike MacLeod witnessed and filmed the encounter. He described the bison as already highly agitated—charging people, vehicles, and objects indiscriminately throughout the campground—before focusing on the pair. The man attempted to move away with his grandson, but the bison pursued him around some trees, hooked him with its left horn on the hip, and flipped him airborne. He landed hard on his side. The grandson was unharmed. Bystanders intervened to scare off the bison, and Yellowstone EMS provided rapid response.

Current status: The man sustained significant injuries, including a broken hip, and remains hospitalized. As of the latest updates on July 12, he is reported to be in serious condition and “not out of the woods yet,” with ongoing pain in his hips and the leg on which he landed. No further medical details have been released.

Bison in Yellowstone are wild and powerful animals capable of sudden aggression when disturbed. Park officials repeatedly advise visitors to maintain at least 25 yards of distance. This incident highlights the risks even when individuals appear to be at a safe remove, as the bull was already in an agitated state before the encounter escalated. The National Park Service has not issued a formal statement on the event as of 7/12/26.

Why the bison acted aggressively:

Video may be seen here: https://x.com/Breaking911/status/2076164793954705679?s=20

Bison are wild animals, not domesticated livestock, and can become highly unpredictable and dangerous when disturbed, especially during periods of agitation. In this case, the bull was already in an agitated state—pawing, charging broadly through the campground—before the encounter. Wildlife experts and park officials consistently note that bison may charge when they perceive a threat to their space, even from people at what seems like a reasonable distance, due to their protective instincts, size (up to 2,000 pounds), speed (up to 35 mph), and powerful horns. Park guidelines recommend maintaining at least 25 yards (75 feet) from bison at all times.

The National Park Service has not yet issued a formal statement on this specific incident, but such events underscore longstanding warnings about respecting wildlife boundaries in Yellowstone. No further details on any investigation have been released.