Grandfather Hospitalized After Bison Launches Him Into the Air at Yellowstone as Witness Says He “Did Nothing Wrong”

A 65-year-old grandfather is recovering in the hospital after a massive bull bison charged at him and hurled him several feet into the air during a terrifying encounter at Yellowstone National Park. The shocking attack happened Friday evening at the Bridge Bay Campground and was captured on video by wildlife photographer Mike MacLeod, who witnessed the entire incident unfold.

According to MacLeod, the bison had already been behaving aggressively before the attack. He said the animal was rolling in the dirt, charging at a group of teenagers and reacting to activity around the campground before suddenly turning its attention toward the grandfather and his young grandson. The pair attempted to move away, weaving between trees to avoid the charging animal, but the bison caught up, hooked the man with one of its horns and flipped him approximately eight feet into the air. Bystanders, including MacLeod, shouted and rushed toward the animal to distract it before it could attack again.

MacLeod insisted the grandfather and his grandson were not provoking the animal and appeared to be keeping a respectful distance. He described the attack as highly unusual, saying the victims “weren’t doing anything wrong” and simply found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time as the agitated bison moved through the campground. His account has sparked widespread discussion online because many Yellowstone bison incidents involve visitors approaching wildlife too closely, while witnesses believe this case was different.

The injured man was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. While officials have not publicly identified him or released a detailed medical update, reports indicate he was conscious after the attack and complained of significant pain in his hip and leg. His grandson was not physically injured.

The attack occurred during the bison rutting season, which typically runs from June through September, a period when bulls become especially territorial and unpredictable. Yellowstone National Park advises visitors to remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison at all times, warning that the animals can sprint several times faster than humans and may charge without warning. The incident is the second reported bison attack in Yellowstone this year and serves as another reminder that even experienced visitors can find themselves in danger when wildlife behaves unpredictably.