Bison rams grandfather in Yellowstone Park, knocking him metres into the air
On 13 July, an elderly man named Carl Isom‑McDaniel was thrown several metres into the sky by a bull bison near Bridge Bay Campground, Yellowstone National Park. The 2,000‑lb animal rammed him with its head, sending him crashing into the grasslands and causing multiple injuries that required hospital care.
The incident caught the eye of Native communities who view bison as sacred spirits and stewards of the land. In many indigenous traditions, the bison is a symbol of abundance, resilience, and the pulse of the earth. They teach that human interactions with the bison must honor its spirit and maintain respectful distances.
The National Park Service (NPS) warns visitors to stay at least 25 yards from any bison and never approach for photographs. These guidelines echo the Indigenous caution: “never approach a bison to take a photo.” The advice is particularly critical during July, the park’s mating season when bulls peak in testosterone and become unpredictable.
In the weeks before the attack, a family, including a boy and his grandfather, had recorded the bison’s quiet stance. Shortly after, the animal leapt to its feet, chased a passing truck, and then rushed toward the family, capturing a moment of profound disconnection between human safety and animal power.
Oral histories of tribal peoples across Wyoming speak of cautious respect for the bison’s might. Indigenous elders advise keeping clear safe zones, especially during breeding, to avoid the physical and spiritual energy that can surge in these times. Declaring full awareness of “mating season” on park signage could integrate these lessons into the visitor experience.
This event calls for new stewardship models that blend NPS guidelines with indigenous wisdom. By recognizing the bison as more than a statistical risk—rather as a living presence that commands respect—park managers can create policies that protect both visitors and the sacred nature of the landscape.
Image source: Mike MacLeod/Newsflare
