A recent incident in Yellowstone National Park saw a young child sprint away from an agitated bison after a family approached too closely, captured on video by onlookers. The animal was seen swishing its tail and then lunged toward the family as they attempted to pass.
The video, recorded by Brittany Peteler, shows the family, including two young children, walking on a path dangerously near the large animal. As they got closer, the bison suddenly turned and charged. One child broke into a sprint to escape, with the bison pursuing for a short distance before stopping. Onlookers shouted at the family to retreat.
This event occurred just weeks after Carl McDaniel, 65, was thrown approximately eight feet into the air by a bison. McDaniel and his grandson had stopped to photograph the animal when it charged. Photographer Mike MacLeod, who was present, attempted to distract the bison before helping McDaniel, who sustained a broken femur and underwent surgery. McDaniel is expected to recover.
Yellowstone National Park officials emphasize that bison are unpredictable and can run significantly faster than humans. They are known to defend their territory when they feel threatened. Park regulations advise visitors to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from bison and other large animals like elk and bighorn sheep. For bears, wolves, and cougars, the recommended distance is 100 yards.
Park officials noted that bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. The incident with McDaniel occurred during the bison mating season, a time when males can exhibit more aggressive behavior due to increased testosterone levels. Last June, a 12-year-old visitor was also injured by a bison.