A Yellowstone bison attack turned a quiet campground walk into a terrifying scene caught on video.
A tourist was seriously injured Friday after a bull bison charged through a campground in Yellowstone National Park and tossed him about 8 feet into the air.
The incident happened at Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming, south of Fishing Bridge. The man was walking with his grandson when the bison charged, according to reports from witnesses and local media.
The National Park Service has not released full details about the incident. But Yellowstone officials have long warned that bison are wild, fast, and dangerous when people get too close.
Video Shows Sudden Attack at Campground
Professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who lives near Bozeman, Montana, captured the encounter on video. He told Cowboy State Daily that the bison appeared agitated before the attack.
MacLeod said the animal moved through the campground and charged near children who were taking pictures from a distance. Campers then began yelling to warn others as the bison kept moving through the area.
The tourist and his grandson were later seen near the road as the bison sat in the dust. The video shows them pointing phones toward the animal before it got up and charged.
MacLeod said the animal was “agitated” and “charging anything and everything.” The attack left the man seriously injured, though officials have not confirmed his condition.
Bison Are Yellowstone’s Most Dangerous Large Animal
Yellowstone’s official safety page says bison have injured more people in the park than any other animal. The National Park Service warns that they can run three times faster than humans.
Park officials tell visitors to stay at least 25 yards from bison at all times. Visitors should never approach a bison to take a photo, according to Yellowstone National Park safety guidance.
The park also says people should turn around and move away if a bison walks within 25 yards. If a bison charges, visitors should move away quickly and seek cover behind trees or cars.
Why This Time of Year Can Be Risky
The attack happened near the start of bison breeding season, also called the rut. Yellowstone says male bison can become more aggressive and unpredictable during this period.
According to the National Park Service, male bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They can run up to 30 miles per hour and may act aggressively, especially during mating season.
Yellowstone’s bison ecology page says bison mate in late July through August. The park also says Yellowstone’s bison population was nearly 5,300 in 2025.
Another Reminder After Recent Bison Injuries
The incident follows another reported bison injury in Yellowstone this summer. On June 26, a 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge, according to a National Park Service news release.
That visitor was taken to a nearby hospital. The Park Service said the June incident remained under investigation.
These cases show how quickly a wildlife viewing moment can turn dangerous. Many visitors see bison standing still or grazing and assume they are calm.
But park officials warn that bison are unpredictable. They may charge with little warning, especially when they feel threatened or crowded.
Officials Urge Visitors to Keep Their Distance
Yellowstone draws millions of visitors each year, and many come hoping to photograph wildlife. But park rules require people to give large animals space.
The safest choice is simple. Keep distance, use zoom, and never try to move closer for a better picture.
The Bridge Bay incident is now spreading across social media because of the video. But for park officials, the message remains the same: Yellowstone wildlife is not tame, even inside a campground.
For the injured tourist and his family, a short walk became a frightening reminder of that rule. For other visitors, it is a warning to treat every bison encounter with caution.