An 80-year-old man from California was violently attacked by a 2,000lb bull bison at Yellowstone National Park's Bridge Bay Campground on Friday, leaving him with serious injuries including a fractured hip. Witnesses insist the grandfather, who was visiting with his grandson, had done nothing wrong.
Incident Details
The man and his grandson were enjoying an evening stroll when they noticed the bison resting about 100 yards away—well beyond Yellowstone's mandatory 25-yard safety zone. They paused to take photographs, but the park is entering bison rutting season, when bulls can become extremely aggressive.
Onlooker and ex-Army combat photographer Mike MacLeod reported that the bull was already agitated before the grandfather approached, having previously charged at a group of youngsters who escaped unharmed. The bison then prowled through the campsite before rising to its feet. Sensing danger, the grandfather told his grandson it was time to leave and they began backing away behind a copse of pine trees. However, a white truck driving by appeared to provoke the bull.
The Attack
The bison charged at the truck, missed, then locked eyes on the grandfather and grandson in the trees and stormed into the grove. The grandson managed to sprint away, but the bull cornered the older man and struck. In a horrifying clip that has gone viral, the bison hooks the man's hip with its left horn and flips him roughly eight feet into the air. He somersaults mid-air before slamming down hard onto his side.
MacLeod said the animal then stood over the fallen man, shaking its head, as if ready to gore him again. Fearing the tourist would be killed, MacLeod dropped his camera and charged at the bison, screaming and waving his arms. Other campers joined in, and the bull finally backed off and ran away.
Aftermath and Investigation
Bystanders administered first aid, carried out a blood sweep, and kept the man calm until Yellowstone EMS arrived. The tourist was rushed to hospital and remains under close medical care. His family and witnesses said he is "not out of the woods yet." The National Park Service has said it is investigating the incident.
