Carl Isom-McDaniel, 65, is recovering from a broken femur after being attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on July 10, recounting the experience from his hospital bed.
Isom-McDaniel and his 13-year-old grandson were taking pictures of a bison near the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming when the animal, which had not initially shown aggression, charged. "Until it picked a target — that target happened to be me," Isom-McDaniel said in a video shared by Bozeman Health in Montana, where he underwent surgery.
The Washington state resident's primary concern was getting his grandson to safety. He then attempted to evade the bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, by running through trees. However, the animal pursued him.
"He just kept coming and he was more aggressive and as soon as he got off that tree he launched me in the air," Isom-McDaniel recalled. He sustained a fractured femur in four places upon landing, noting that the impact of the fall was the main cause of injury.
He expressed relief that the bison did not inflict more severe injuries, stating, "Even though I was on the ground, he could've stomped me, he could've gored me, he could've done anything."
Photographer Mike MacLeod, who witnessed the event, told Cowboy State Daily that Isom-McDaniel remained in good spirits and was joking despite being in pain.
Park officials have confirmed that no action will be taken against the bison involved in the incident. Yellowstone National Park advises visitors to maintain a distance of at least 75 feet from bison and other large animals. The National Park Service warns that bison can run up to three times faster than humans.