The bison that threw my grandfather six feet in the air won't be euthanized.

A 65-year-old man named Carl McDaniel was thrown two meters into the air by a bison during an encounter at Yellowstone National Park, but officials have confirmed they will not euthanize the animal despite the incident. The bison, which attacked McDaniel earlier this week, has not been targeted for lethal action, according to park representatives who spoke with the American media outlet TMZ. McDaniel suffered multiple bone fractures in the incident, including a broken leg in four places, though he is recovering. The incident occurred near a bridge within the park, where McDaniel and his grandson were walking. According to local photographer Mike MacLeod, who was nearby at the time, the bison had been agitated for some time before the attack. It initially chased a group of boys near a tent and later pursued a younger couple in the area. Eventually, the animal turned its attention toward McDaniel and his grandson, even though the pair maintained a safe distance from the animal. Despite their efforts to stay clear, the bison approached them directly and launched McDaniel into the air. MacLeod stopped filming at the moment the older man flew through the air and rushed to help him. Other visitors tried to distract the bison to prevent further attacks while others called for emergency services and assisted McDaniel. The U.S. National Park Service, which manages national parks across the country, recommended after the incident that visitors maintain a minimum distance of 23 meters (75 feet) from bison and elk to avoid similar incidents. This recommendation underscores the need for visitors to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when encountering wildlife in national parks. McDaniel’s family described the experience as harrowing, noting the severity of his injuries. However, they emphasized that he is making progress in his recovery. The incident has sparked discussions among park officials and visitors about the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries and adhering to safety protocols. Mike MacLeod's account provides insight into the sequence of events leading up to the attack. He noted that the bison appeared restless and was actively moving around the area before targeting McDaniel. His observations align with reports from other witnesses who were present during the incident. Park rangers and wildlife experts stress that such encounters, while rare, can occur when humans encroach too closely on animals' personal space. They urge visitors to keep a respectful distance and to observe wildlife from a safe vantage point. These measures aim to protect both human visitors and the animals themselves. Following the incident, park authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring visitor safety while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem. They continue to monitor wildlife behavior and provide educational resources to help visitors understand how to interact safely with wild animals. The decision not to euthanize the bison reflects a broader policy aimed at preserving wildlife populations and managing conflicts through non-lethal means whenever possible. This approach seeks to balance conservation goals with public safety concerns. Authorities are reviewing footage from the incident and consulting with wildlife experts to determine if additional precautions should be taken. For now, they emphasize that visitors must adhere strictly to established safety guidelines to minimize risks associated with wildlife encounters.