Grandfather's Instinct Saves Grandson During Bison Attack at Yellowstone: A Reminder About Wildlife Safety

On July 10, 2026, Carl Isom-McDaniel of Washington made a choice that probably saved his grandson’s life. While photographing a bull bison near Bridge Bay Campground at Yellowstone National Park, the animal suddenly charged. Without hesitation, Carl told his 13-year-old grandson to run back down the road while he deliberately positioned himself to distract the bison. In seconds, a thousand-pound animal moving at incredible speed launched the 65-year-old grandfather about eight feet into the air. When he hit the ground, he broke his femur in four places. Yet from his hospital bed, Carl’s first concern wasn’t his own injuries—it was his grandson’s safety.

Professional photographer Mike MacLeod witnessed the entire attack and actually helped prevent further injury by running at the bison and yelling to redirect its attention. Experts say this kind of intervention can be the difference between a bad situation and a tragedy. Wildlife officials remind us that bison are particularly aggressive during their summer mating season, a period that runs through July and August. These animals can run three times faster than humans and have injured more Yellowstone visitors than any other animal. The bison involved in this incident was not euthanized and remains in the park.

If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone or any national park this summer, park rangers recommend maintaining at least 25 yards of distance from bison and other large wildlife. That’s roughly the length of four car lengths. Never approach these animals for photos, even if they appear calm or indifferent to your presence. Nature’s beauty is best appreciated from a safe distance. Have you visited Yellowstone? What’s the closest you’ve been to wildlife, and what made you feel safe or unsafe in that moment?