A man and his grandson stopped to take a picture of a bison (Image: X)
A tranquil evening stroll transformed into a desperate battle for survival at Yellowstone National Park after a charging bull bison attacked a tourist, hurling him eight feet through the air.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming. The unnamed victim was walking along the road with his young grandson when the enormous, furious herbivore suddenly set upon them.
The dramatic encounter was captured on camera by Mike MacLeod, a former Army combat photographer who was staying at the campground.
According to MacLeod, the bison had entered the campground appearing “angry, agitated, and charging anything and everything.”
Prior to targeting the grandfather, the bull had already rushed at a group of youngsters taking photographs and violently charged at a passing white pickup truck.
Unprovoked attack
Onlookers noted that the grandfather and grandson had initially been keeping a safe distance – estimated at roughly 100 yards away – far exceeding the National Park Service guidelines.
Seeking refuge when the creature became restless, the pair withdrew behind a small cluster of pine trees.
Tragically, the shelter proved insufficient. The rampaging animal crashed into the trees, viciously pursuing the pair.
The man was hurled feet into the air (Image: undefined)
While the young grandson managed to escape unscathed, the grandfather was left desperately attempting to dodge the beast. The bison closed the gap, drove its left horn into the man’s hip and launched him into the air.
MacLeod described the victim executing a “perfect flip” mid-air before landing heavily on his side.
Onlookers rushed to help, shouting and charging towards the animal in a bid to drive it away. Emergency services swiftly attended the scene to administer first aid.
According to reports, the man sustained a broken hip and remains hospitalised in a serious condition.
At first, the man tried hiding and then made a run for it, but the bison caught up to him; bucking him into the air (Image: X)
A tourist was seriously injured after a bison tossed them about 8 feet into the air in Yellowstone National Park. The attack was captured on video by photographer Mike Macleod. pic.twitter.com/ZtGTb32Gee
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 12, 2026
Mating season
The unprovoked incident serves as a sobering reminder that the annual bison mating season, known as the “rut,” which runs from July through September, is now under way.
During this period, bulls experience surging testosterone levels, rendering them highly volatile and territorial.
When in doubt, do not make eye contact, just keep going, experts advise.