A community leader from Bothell, Washington, has been identified as the visitor who was gored and thrown into the air by a charging bison in Yellowstone National Park. Carl McDaniel, in his mid-60s, suffered multiple broken bones in the incident that occurred Friday evening near Bridge Bay Compound by Yellowstone Lake.
The attack was captured on viral video, showing the bull bison becoming agitated and charging at McDaniel. The animal hooked him with a horn, tossing him about eight feet into the air.
McDaniel, a recognized community leader in Washington state, has served on various boards, including the Columbia Valley water and parks districts and the Whatcom County Surface Mining Advisory Committee. He has been described as a Good Samaritan involved in community development and park creation.
Witnesses reported that the bison had been behaving aggressively in the campground, initially targeting a group of teenagers before approaching a picnic table. McDaniel and his grandson were taking photos of the bison from a pickup truck when the animal turned its attention to them.
"As soon as they stop taking pictures, the bison stands up and the grandfather's like, 'Let's get out of here. I don't like this,'" recounted Mike MacLeod, a photographer who was present. McDaniel's grandson was able to escape, but McDaniel was subsequently attacked.
Even after the initial attack, the bison remained aggressive, standing over McDaniel and displaying defensive behavior, according to MacLeod. Other onlookers intervened by yelling and jumping to appear larger, distracting the animal long enough for it to leave the area. Park ambulance services arrived approximately 10 minutes later.
Despite his injuries, McDaniel was reportedly in good spirits and joking with those assisting him. His grandson indicated that McDaniel sustained significant injuries and was still recovering. MacLeod, however, stated that the bison initiated the aggression.
Park regulations advise visitors to maintain a distance of at least 75 feet from bison. The incident occurred during the bison rutting season, which runs from June to September and is a period of increased aggression for the animals.
