Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
A Yellowstone tourist who was launched into the air by a charging bison is finally sharing his side of the story. And says he’s lucky to be alive.
According to the TODAY show, 65-year-old Carl McDaniel is recovering after suffering a broken femur in four places when a massive bison attacked him last week in Yellowstone National Park. The frightening encounter, caught on video, quickly went viral.
McDaniel told CNN he and his grandson were about 100 yards from the animal, taking a few photos before continuing on their way. Wildlife photographer Mike McLeod, who filmed the incident, said the pair appeared to be doing everything right and backed away as soon as the bison showed signs of agitation.
Then everything changed.
McDaniel said a passing truck honked its horn, apparently trying to move the bison. Instead, the noise appeared to agitate the animal, which suddenly charged toward them.
SEE ALSO: Five Brands, One Fixer: Tom Taylor’s Playbook for Rebuilding Colt and CZ
With only seconds to react, McDaniel told his grandson to run one direction while he ran another, hoping to draw the bison away. The animal caught him.
The bison chased McDaniel through a wooded area before tossing him high into the air, leaving him unable to move on the ground. What happened next may have saved his life.
McDaniel said the bison stood over him and could have stomped or gored him but didn’t. Photographer Mike McLeod immediately stopped filming and, along with several Good Samaritans, rushed in shouting to distract the animal until it finally backed away.
McDaniel underwent surgery and has begun physical therapy. He told CNN he’s thankful for everyone who came to his aid and grateful the encounter wasn’t even worse.
Yellowstone officials remind visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison and other large herbivores and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Bison may appear calm, but they can sprint up to 35 mph and are responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone than any other large animal.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
proves the importance of being able to run faster than the person next to you!