Man attacked by bison recalls terrifying encounter: "He could have gored me"

A 65-year-old man was severely injured when a bison attacked him during a family walk at Yellowstone National Park, according to medical records and statements from witnesses. Carl Isom-McDaniel, who sustained a fractured femur broken in multiple pieces, described the incident from his hospital bed in Bozeman, Montana. The attack occurred earlier this month, marking the second documented bison-related injury at the park this year. A 12-year-old child had previously been injured by a bison in June. Isom-McDaniel and his grandson were walking near the park’s main trail area following an evening meal when the bison unexpectedly charged. According to Isom-McDaniel, the animal appeared calm initially, positioned on the ground. However, it suddenly targeted him, launching him approximately 8 feet into the air. “Even though I was on the ground, he could have stomped me. He could have gored me. He could have done anything,” he said. The impact left him with severe injuries requiring surgical intervention. Mike MacLeod, a local photographer who recorded the incident on video, recounted the chaotic scene. He described charging toward the bison, shouting and raising his camera in an attempt to scare the animal away. Other bystanders joined the effort, helping to drive the bison back. “A bunch of other men joined me, and we successfully hazed the bison off of the victim,” MacLeod said. The footage, which went viral, shows Isom-McDaniel standing with his grandson about 100 yards away from the bison before the charge began. National Park Service guidelines warn visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from bison due to their unpredictable nature. The agency emphasizes that bison can become defensive when they feel threatened, though officials noted that in this instance, the animal did not appear to be acting aggressively. “They did everything right,” MacLeod said, referring to the actions of the group attempting to deter the bison. Isom-McDaniel’s grandson was present during the attack but managed to stay clear of the path of the bison. During the incident, Isom-McDaniel reportedly prioritized his grandson’s safety, stating he would take the brunt of the attack to ensure the younger boy remained unharmed. “At the time, I had my grandson with me. It was like, you need to get up to the amphitheater. I will deal with this down here,” he said. Despite the severity of his injuries, Isom-McDaniel expressed optimism about his recovery. After undergoing surgery at Bozeman Health, he is expected to make a full recovery. His condition remains stable, and medical professionals have confirmed that the fracture in his femur, which was broken in four distinct locations, has been properly addressed. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with wildlife encounters in national parks. While Yellowstone is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, visitors must remain vigilant and aware of potential dangers posed by large animals such as bison. Park authorities continue to emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries and adhering to safety protocols to minimize the likelihood of such incidents.