An elderly tourist suffered serious injuries on the evening of Friday, July 10, in Yellowstone National Park in the United States after being attacked by an agitated male bison. The incident occurred at the Bridge Bay campsite, located south of Fishing Bridge, and was captured on video by a professional photographer who was on site.
The victim was walking with his grandson when the animal, showing irritable behavior, attacked them. The bison hit the man with its left horn in the hip region, throwing him to a height of approximately eight meters. The tourist completed a full spin in the air before falling on his side, according to reports from photographer Mike MacLeod, of Bozeman, Montana.
MacLeod, who was filming the bison to document its agitated state, described the scene in detail. The animal ran through the camp, attacking people, vehicles and other objects before directing its focus towards the tourist and his grandson. Fortunately, the boy managed to escape unharmed. People who witnessed the scene, including the photographer, screamed and approached to fend off the animal, while park emergency teams provided first aid to the victim.
The tourist was diagnosed with serious injuries, including a fractured hip, and had to be hospitalized in serious condition. To date, the National Park Service (NPS) has not released the man’s identity or additional official information about the incident.
Bison aggressive behavior before camp attack
Recorded images show the bison running through the camp site before attacking. MacLeod reported that the animal was visibly “angry, agitated and lunging at everyone and everything.” The photographer sought to capture striking images of the creature’s behavior, but did not anticipate such a violent outcome.
The victim’s grandson later reported that his grandfather has significant injuries and his condition still requires attention, remaining out of imminent risk in a stable manner.
Another incident involving bison recorded in the year 2026 in Yellowstone
This case represents the second incident involving bison and visitors in the park in the year 2026. On June 26, a 12-year-old child had already been injured near Mud Volcano, also in the Fishing Bridge area. In previous years, the park has recorded similar incidents, with an average of one to two serious incidents per year.
Bison are the wild animals that cause the most injuries to people within Yellowstone, surpassing bears, wolves and other predators. With a weight that can reach a ton and the ability to run up to three times faster than a human being, they become especially aggressive during the mating season (rut), which occurs between June and September, making them an underestimated and dangerous threat to visitors.
Park guidelines for visitor safety
The NPS reinforces guidance that visitors should maintain a minimum distance of 25 feet from bison and other large wildlife. Despite constant signage and recommendations, close encounters continue to occur, often because the animals appear calm or due to tourists looking for better angles for photos.
The episode serves as an important reminder that even in campgrounds, wild animals are unpredictable and will defend their space. The video recorded by MacLeod, which is circulating, reinforces the crucial need to respect the safety rules established by the park.
