Will the Bison That Tossed a Man Into the Air at Yellowstone National Park Be Euthanised?
Yellowstone National Park has confirmed that the bison involved in a viral attack that seriously injured grandfather Carl Isom-McDaniel will not be euthanized. Officials said 'no management action' will be taken against the bull. The visitor suffered multiple broken bones and underwent surgery, while his grandson escaped unharmed. The incident has sparked widespread discussion online.
The bison that seriously injured a man during a viral attack at Yellowstone National Park last week will not be euthanised, with park officials confirming that the wild animal will remain in the park. Officials said "no management action" will be taken against the bull following the incident, despite the visitor suffering multiple broken bones that required surgery.
The attack involved Carl Isom-McDaniel, who was tossed into the air by the bison in an incident captured on video by wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod. The footage quickly spread online, prompting widespread discussion about visitor safety and wildlife management inside the national park. US: Bison Hurls Tourist Into Air at Yellowstone National Park (Watch Video).
Bison Attack at Yellowstone National Park
not this bull bison in Yellowstone National Park launching a tourist nearly 8 feet in the air for getting too close. 😭 pic.twitter.com/ytISd7HU1d
— moose (@mooseincrisis) July 12, 2026
Why Won't the Bison Be Euthanised?
According to park officials, the bull will remain in Yellowstone, and no management action is planned against the animal. The decision reflects the park's policy of allowing wild animals to remain in their natural habitat unless management intervention is deemed necessary.
What Happened During the Attack?
MacLeod said the bull had already charged a group of teenagers before McDaniel and his grandson unknowingly encountered it while walking through a campground. Bear Attack in US: Viral Video Shows Man Fending Off Charging Animal With Bear Spray Near Lake Tahoe Home.
The photographer said the pair tried to leave after noticing the bison becoming active, but the animal focused on them. "For some reason [the bison] had it in his head he was going to attack those two," MacLeod said.
The video shows the bison tossing McDaniel into the air before standing over him. MacLeod said he stopped filming and rushed to help. "Once I saw the victim in the air, I stopped filming and ran with some other men to haze the bison away and to render aid," he said. He also stated that neither McDaniel nor his grandson appeared to provoke the animal.
Grandfather Recovering After Surgery
McDaniel sustained multiple broken bones and underwent surgery following the attack. According to MacLeod, the injured grandfather's first concern was for his grandson. "I got to him right away, and the first thing he asked is, 'How is my grandson?'" MacLeod recalled. McDaniel later learned his grandson had escaped without injury.
Yellowstone National Park advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison. The animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of 30 mph. Park officials also warn that bull bison can become particularly aggressive during the annual mating season.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 10:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
