A 65-year-old man who was violently thrown into the air by a bison at Yellowstone National Park has expressed a forgiving sentiment toward the animal, noting that it could have easily taken his life. Carl McDaniel of Washington State sustained a fractured femur in four places near his hip during the encounter on Friday evening.
The incident occurred at the Bridge Bay Compound in the national park as McDaniel and his grandson were walking. Video footage captured the moment a bull bison, appearing agitated, charged at McDaniel, hooked him with a horn, and flung him several feet into the air. McDaniel reported that after surgery, he was able to stand by Monday and anticipates a few days of physical therapy.
McDaniel recounted that when he was on the ground, the bison remained over him, but did not inflict further severe injury. "He could have stomped on me, he could have gored me, he could have done almost anything to take my life and he did not do so," McDaniel told CNN.
The attack happened amid bison mating season, a period when male bison are known to have elevated testosterone levels. The bison had reportedly been seen charging at other campers in the area before the incident with McDaniel. Witnesses observed the bison near a picnic table with leftover food before it stood up and displayed agitated behavior.
As McDaniel and his grandson approached, the bison became aware of them. McDaniel stated he told his grandson to run in one direction while he ran in the other to draw the bison away. His grandson escaped unharmed, but McDaniel was caught by the animal.
Even after McDaniel was airborne, the bison reportedly remained aggressive. Photographer Mike MacLeod, who captured the event, intervened by running towards the bison, yelling, and jumping to appear larger, which eventually distracted the animal. Other onlookers joined in, and the bison eventually retreated.
Following the attack, McDaniel's primary concern was his grandson's safety. MacLeod told Fox News that McDaniel "kind of saved his grandson" by taking the brunt of the attack. While waiting for an ambulance, McDaniel was conscious and making light of his situation, though in significant pain.
Park regulations advise visitors to maintain a distance of at least 75 feet from bison. However, observers noted that McDaniel and his grandson appeared to be keeping a respectful distance prior to the encounter, and witnesses indicated the bison was already exhibiting aggressive behavior.