Summary
- The attack occurred on July 10, 2026, at Bridge Bay Campground
- The man was walking with his grandson
- The bison launched him approximately eight feet into the air
- Professional photographer Mike MacLeod captured the entire incident
- The victim was about 100 yards away from the animal
- The man sustained serious injuries
A tourist was seriously injured after a bull bison launched him approximately eight feet into the air at a campground in Yellowstone National Park.
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026, at Bridge Bay Campground, south of Fishing Bridge, while the man was walking with his grandson. Professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who was at the scene, recorded the attack before putting down his camera to help the victim.
The case is particularly significant because, according to the eyewitness, the man had not approached the animal and was standing at what would normally be considered a safe distance. The incident highlights how unpredictable wildlife can become, particularly during the bison breeding season.
The bison was acting aggressively inside the campground
Mike MacLeod was camping in the area when his wife noticed a large bull bison entering the campground. The photographer picked up his camera and began recording the animal from a distance.
The bison initially moved toward a group of children who were taking pictures with their phones. When the animal accelerated toward them, the children managed to scatter safely.
It continued moving through the campground as visitors shouted warnings to one another. A short time later, it lay down in a patch of dirt and appeared to have temporarily calmed down.
The man was about 100 yards away
The injured man and his grandson were walking along the road and, according to the photographer, were at least 100 yards away from the bison.
They stopped to take pictures while the animal remained on the ground. As soon as the bison began to stand up, the grandfather decided to leave with his grandson, and they moved behind some trees.
At that moment, a white pickup truck appeared. The bison charged toward the vehicle, but when the driver continued moving, the animal turned toward the two pedestrians.
The attack was captured on camera
The bison entered the trees and began chasing the man and his grandson. The child managed to escape, but his grandfather became trapped while attempting to avoid the animal.
According to Mike MacLeod, the bison struck the man with its left horn near his hip and threw him into the air. His body completed a full rotation before he landed on his side.
The photographer estimated that the man rose approximately eight feet above the ground, passing several feet over the bison’s body.
The photographer put down his camera to help
After the man hit the ground, the bison remained above him and shook its head aggressively. Mike MacLeod feared that the animal might strike him again, so he stopped recording.
He ran toward the bison, shouting and attempting to draw its attention. Several other bystanders followed his example, prompting the animal to run away.
Visitors immediately approached the injured man. He was in severe pain around his hips and the leg on which he had landed, although no external bleeding was visible.
Yellowstone emergency responders arrived shortly afterward and took over his care. The victim’s grandson later informed the photographer that his grandfather had sustained serious injuries and remained in a concerning condition.
The victim does not appear to have been at fault
Mike MacLeod stressed that neither the injured man nor his grandson had approached the bison dangerously. He said visitors in the campground had maintained their distance and were attempting to warn anyone in the animal’s path.
The photographer described the bison’s behavior as unusually aggressive, as it charged people, vehicles and objects without any obvious provocation.
The incident was Yellowstone’s second human-bison encounter of 2026. On June 26, a 12-year-old child was injured near Mud Volcano.
Breeding season can increase aggression
One possible explanation for the animal’s behavior is the annual bison breeding season, which typically runs from June through September.
During this period, males can become more intense and competitive as they fight for dominance and access to females. Even an animal that appears calm can move suddenly and cover a considerable distance within seconds.
What we think
The incident shows that respecting the recommended distance can reduce the risk but cannot completely eliminate the unpredictable behavior of a wild animal. Wildlife observation and photography require constant awareness, a clear escape route and immediate withdrawal whenever an animal shows signs of agitation.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the bison attack happen?
The attack occurred at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park, south of Fishing Bridge.
How high was the man thrown?
According to the photographer who captured the incident, the man was launched approximately eight feet into the air.
Had the tourist approached the bison?
The eyewitness said the man and his grandson were about 100 yards away and had not provoked the animal.
Why was the bison so aggressive?
Its behavior may have been linked to the breeding season, when male bison can display increased aggression.
Who recorded the attack?
The incident was recorded by professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who later stopped filming and helped drive the animal away.
