Viral Yellowstone bison attack highlights dangers of rut season as grandfather is identified
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming — The name of the man who was attacked by an angry bull bison over the weekend has been identified.
Carl McDaniel reportedly serves on multiple commissions, boards and committees in East Whatcom County, Washington, and also plays Santa Claus at local events when needed. He was the victim in the Friday evening incident at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park.
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“A 65-year-old man was injured by a bison on the evening of July 10 at Bridge Bay Campground near Lake Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park,” the National Park Service said in an emailed statement to EastIdahoNews.com. “Park emergency medical personnel responded and transported him to a nearby hospital. There are no further details to share.”
Mike MacLeod, a professional photographer in Bozeman, Montana, captured the heart-stopping moment when the bison attacked McDaniel and sent him flying at least eight feet in the air before crashing to the ground. The video has gone viral, with millions of views from people all over the world.
Moments before the attack, McDaniel can be seen in the background of MacLeod’s video, standing with his grandson. MacLeod pointed out that the grandfather and his grandson were “well away from the scene” and “absolutely weren’t doing anything wrong” to cause the bison to attack.
MacLeod told EastIdahoNews.com that he’s been in touch with the grandfather’s family and was told McDaniel’s injuries included some broken bones in his leg. He was also told that doctors expect him to make a full recovery, although it will be lengthy.
The attack on McDaniel came during mating season, also known as the “rut,” which takes place in July and August for bison.
“During the rut mature males display their dominance by bellowing, wallowing, and engaging in fights with other bulls,” the park’s website explains. “The winners earn the right to mate with receptive females. Once a bull has found a female who is close to estrus, he will stay by her side until she is ready to mate. Then he moves on to another female.”
The park’s website states that bison “may appear tranquil, but these large animals have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.”
“They can run three times faster than humans, making it very important to give them plenty of space,” the website reads.
Park rules require visitors to keep at least 25 yards away from bison at all times.