Bison rams grandfather at Yellowstone after family stops to take a photo
Image: BBC News
A 65-year-old man was left badly injured after a bison charged and rammed him at Yellowstone — captured in viral footage that shows the danger of getting too close for a photo.
The man, identified by US media as Carl Isom-McDaniel, was visiting with his grandson when the pair slowed to a halt and raised their cameras at the animal resting in the grass. The bison suddenly lurched to its feet and gave chase.
Isom-McDaniel was sent to hospital with multiple injuries, described by witnesses as "in a lot of pain." The National Park Service has not commented on the attack, which happened on Friday evening at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake.
The video shows the bison flopping agitatedly before barreling toward the pair as they fled through a thicket of trees. A passing truck sped off when the animal charged it, leaving the grandfather in its path.
Why it matters: "Bison may appear tranquil, but these large animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal," the park service warns. They can run three times faster than humans, and the NPS urges visitors to stay at least 25 yards away — and never approach for a picture.
The encounter is the latest in a string of close calls as social-media-driven curiosity pushes tourists to breach safe distances with some of America's most powerful wildlife.
What's next: Isom-McDaniel's condition hasn't been fully detailed, but park officials are using the clip as a blunt reminder: the most iconic photo at Yellowstone may not be worth the charge.