The bull bison that tossed a 65-year-old grandfather into the air at Yellowstone National Park will not be euthanized or relocated, according to a new report.
Yellowstone officials told TMZ that “no management action” would be taken against the animal following the July 10 encounter at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake.
That decision means the bison will remain in the park.
Carl Isom-McDaniel, of Kendall, Washington, was visiting Yellowstone with his 13-year-old grandson when the bison charged through the campground. Video captured by photographer Mike MacLeod showed McDaniel attempting to move away before the animal struck him and launched him approximately 8 feet into the air.
McDaniel suffered a femur fracture in four places near his hip and underwent surgery on July 12. He was reportedly able to stand the following day and has said he expects to recover.
Video Shows Bison Chasing and Throwing Man
Warning: The video shows a
Injured Grandfather Did Not Want Bison Killed
Despite the severity of his injuries, McDaniel has spoken sympathetically about the animal.
He said the bison stood over him after he fell and could have gored, trampled or killed him, but did not. McDaniel has also indicated that he did not want the animal euthanized for behaving like a wild bison.
According to witnesses, McDaniel was also trying to protect his grandson during the encounter. He directed the boy to run while attempting to keep the animal’s attention near a group of trees. His grandson escaped without being injured.
The encounter attracted considerable attention online, with some viewers initially assuming McDaniel must have approached too closely. MacLeod, who witnessed and recorded the event, has said McDaniel and his grandson appeared to be beyond Yellowstone’s required minimum distance when the animal charged.
Yellowstone requires visitors to remain at least 25 yards from bison and other large wildlife. Visitors must move farther away when an animal approaches so that the required distance is maintained.
That minimum distance reduces the risk of an encounter, but it cannot guarantee that an animal will not rapidly close the gap.
Bison can run as fast as 35 mph, pivot quickly and jump over objects approximately 5 feet high.
Incident Happened as Bison Rut Began
The attack also occurred during the beginning of Yellowstone’s bison breeding season, commonly known as the rut.
The rut generally peaks during July and August. Mature bulls become more active as they compete for females, displaying dominance by bellowing, wallowing and fighting other males.
Yellowstone has previously warned that bison may become agitated more quickly during this period and advised visitors to give the animals additional space.
Ecologist and bison advocate George Wuerthner reviewed the video and told Cowboy State Daily that the bull’s raised tail was one indication it was already highly agitated.
“He couldn’t have done much to prevent that charge,” Wuerthner said after reviewing McDaniel’s actions. “I don’t know if I would have done any better.”
Although a raised tail can signal agitation, bison may also lift their tails immediately before defecating. Visitors should watch the animal’s overall behavior and move away when it appears restless, paws the ground, swings its head, snorts, bluff charges or begins approaching people.
A Reminder That Distance Alone Does Not Remove the Risk
Most reported bison injuries involve visitors who approach the animals or fail to move away when one comes near. This encounter appears different because the animal reportedly traveled toward McDaniel and his grandson from a considerable distance.
The case shows why visitors should never treat the 25-yard rule as a boundary that makes the area immediately outside it completely safe.
People should watch for changes in an animal’s behavior, identify nearby vehicles or substantial barriers and create more distance whenever possible. During the rut, giving bison far more than the minimum required space is the safer choice.
Roads, campsites and parking areas do not form boundaries for Yellowstone’s wildlife. A bison may enter a developed area, cross a road or move toward visitors without warning.
McDaniel’s recovery continues following surgery. The bison, meanwhile, will remain in Yellowstone without further action from park officials, according to the report.
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