A 65-year-old man was seriously injured after a bull bison charged and tossed him into the air at Yellowstone National Park on Friday [1], [4].
The incident highlights the extreme danger posed by wildlife during the mating season, reminding visitors that animals in national parks can become unpredictable and aggressive.
The attack occurred at the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming [1], [5]. According to reports, the bison charged the man, grabbed him, and flung him into the air [2], [3]. Some reports indicate the man was thrown eight feet [5], while others describe the distance as several metres [6].
Wildlife experts attribute the aggression to the rut, or mating season, which makes bull bison significantly more volatile toward humans [2], [3]. The victim, identified as a grandfather, remained conscious following the attack despite his injuries [4].
Mike MacLeod, a photographer at the scene, said the man was in a lot of pain with his leg, and otherwise he was conscious the whole time, in good spirits, joking [1].
The survivor later reflected on the encounter and the danger of the season. "It's changed my idea of what to expect from these guys at this time of year," the man said [3].
Park officials typically advise visitors to maintain a safe distance from bison, especially during the rut. The force of the impact in this instance resulted in serious injuries for the 65-year-old [4], though he remained communicative and in good spirits during the immediate aftermath [1].
“The bison was in its mating (rut) season, making it more aggressive toward humans.”
This incident underscores the critical risk of human-wildlife conflict during the bison rut. Because the attack occurred within a campground, it demonstrates that the boundary between tourist infrastructure and wild animal territory is porous, necessitating strict adherence to distance guidelines to avoid life-threatening injuries.
