Grandfather Carl Isom-McDaniel, 65, Seriously Injured After Bull Bison Attack at Yellowstone's Bridge Bay Campground

Latest on the Yellowstone Bison Incident (as of July 16, 2026): Victim: Carl Isom-McDaniel, a 65-year-old grandfather from Whatcom County, Washington State, who serves on several local community boards. He was visiting Yellowstone with his 13-year-old grandson.

Injuries and Recovery: Isom-McDaniel suffered multiple broken bones, including a femur fractured in four places near the hip. He underwent surgery and is recovering. Reports indicate he is already standing, conscious throughout the ordeal, and maintained a positive attitude—reportedly making jokes even while in pain at the scene. He has indicated he is “OK” and continuing to recover.

The Bison: Yellowstone National Park officials have decided no management action will be taken against the bull bison, meaning it will not be euthanized or relocated. The animal was behaving naturally as a wild creature (described as agitated and charging multiple targets in the campground, possibly influenced by rutting season factors). Park policy prioritizes leaving wildlife alone when incidents stem from natural behavior rather than provocation.

Context of the Incident: The July 10 attack at Bridge Bay Campground occurred after the bison, already agitated, charged the pair. Photographer Mike MacLeod, who captured the widely shared video, noted Isom-McDaniel and his grandson appeared to be maintaining a reasonable distance before the sudden escalation. The grandson was unharmed. Bystanders helped scare the bison away.

No new incidents or complications have been reported in the past day. The story continues to circulate widely online, serving as a reminder of Yellowstone’s wildlife safety guidelines (stay at least 25 yards from bison). Isom-McDaniel’s recovery appears to be progressing positively based on available updates.

Original story: A 65-year-old grandfather identified as **Carl Isom-McDaniel** 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.

According to professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who filmed the incident, the bison had entered the campground in an agitated state and was charging indiscriminately at people, vehicles, and objects. Isom-McDaniel and his young grandson were nearby—reportedly filming the bison—when the animal suddenly rose and targeted them.

The man attempted to move away, but the bison pursued him, hooked him with its left horn on the hip, and flipped him airborne. He landed hard on his side. The grandson escaped unharmed. Bystanders, including MacLeod, intervened by yelling and approaching to drive the bison away. Yellowstone EMS responded quickly.

MacLeod later told the New York Times that the bison remained standing over Isom-McDaniel, displaying aggressive behavior with its head pumping up and down. The victim was conscious throughout, in significant pain (particularly in his leg), but remained in good spirits and was making jokes.

Injuries and current status:

Isom-McDaniel sustained multiple broken bones, including a broken hip and a femur fracture. As of July 12–16, 2026 updates, he remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition relative to the initial trauma and continuing to maintain a positive demeanor.

Bison in Yellowstone are wild, powerful animals weighing up to 2,000 pounds that can reach speeds of 35 mph and become highly unpredictable when agitated—particularly during rutting season. Park officials and wildlife experts emphasize that such charges can occur even when people maintain what appears to be a reasonable distance, due to the animals’ protective instincts. Yellowstone National Park guidelines strongly recommend staying at least 25 yards (75 feet) away from bison at all times.

The National Park Service has not issued a detailed public statement on this incident. The event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of wildlife encounters in the park, where animals are not tame and can react suddenly to perceived threats. No further details on any ongoing investigation have been released.