Bison Throws Tourist 8 Feet in Air at Yellowstone, Man Severely Injured

A 65-year-old tourist was thrown approximately 2.4 meters (8 feet) into the air by a bison in Yellowstone National Park's Bridge Bay campground on Friday, July 10, 2026, resulting in serious injuries. The man was walking with his grandson when the attack occurred, captured on video by photographer Mike MacLeod Source: Infobae, Clarín.

The Attack

According to MacLeod, the bison had earlier charged at a group of teenagers who dispersed safely. The animal then rolled in the dust, appearing to calm down Source: La Vanguardia. Moments later, a white pickup truck triggered the bison, which charged at the vehicle, struck a tree, and then targeted the man and his grandson near a patch of trees Source: Emol. "The bison hooked him with its left horn at the hip and threw him into the air," MacLeod told Cowboy State Daily Source: Heraldo de México. The victim landed on his side and remained on the ground as the bison stood over him.

MacLeod and other bystanders intervened, shouting and making themselves appear large to distract the animal, which eventually fled Source: Clarín. Emergency services transported the man to a hospital; his grandson later reported that he had "serious injuries" and was not yet out of danger Source: Clarín. NBC News reported the victim suffered a leg fracture and underwent surgery Source: Heraldo de México.

Context and Safety

Yellowstone officials remind visitors to stay at least from bison, a distance the victim was reportedly respecting at about 91 meters . The attack occurred during the bison rutting season (June–September), when males are more aggressive . This is the second bison-human incident in Yellowstone in 2026 .