A bull bison attacked and seriously injured a Washington resident at Yellowstone National Park on Friday evening, July 12, 2026 [1].
The incident highlights the extreme danger posed by wildlife during mating seasons, when animals become unpredictable and aggressive toward humans.
Carl Isom-McDaniel, a grandfather from Washington, was at the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming when the encounter occurred [2]. According to reports, a massive bull bison charged the man and chased him around a tree [3]. The animal then launched Isom-McDaniel approximately eight feet into the air [4].
The attack resulted in serious injuries for the tourist [2]. The bison's aggression is attributed to the park's current mating season, a period when bull bison are known to be highly agitated [5].
Footage of the attack has since circulated online, showing the scale of the animal and the force of the impact [3]. Park officials said visitors should maintain a significant distance from bison, as the animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and move faster than humans can run.
Isom-McDaniel's condition remains a point of concern following the violent encounter [2]. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with venturing too close to wild animals in protected U.S. wilderness areas.
“A massive bull bison charged the man and chased him around a tree”
This attack underscores the critical importance of wildlife safety protocols during peak biological cycles in national parks. During mating season, territorial aggression in bison increases significantly, turning standard encounters into life-threatening situations. The severity of the injuries sustained by Isom-McDaniel demonstrates that even in developed areas like campgrounds, the proximity of apex herbivores creates a high-risk environment for tourists.
