A 65‑year‑old visitor was thrown into the air by a bison at Yellowstone National Park last week, sustaining serious leg injuries.
The incident occurred while the man and his 13‑year‑old grandson were walking after dinner. They spotted a bison about a hundred yards away and took photographs before deciding to continue their walk.
At the same moment a pickup truck passed by and its driver honked the horn, apparently to move the animal. The horn startled the bison, which then charged the pair, tossing the man into the air.
Bystanders rushed to the scene, with one nurse tending the man's leg and others holding his head. Emergency services were called and park medical personnel arrived quickly.
The man was transported to a hospital in Bozeman, where doctors discovered he had fractured his femur in four places near the hip and suffered multiple bruises. He underwent surgery on Sunday and was able to stand the following day.
Yellowstone has experienced another bison incident in recent weeks, when a 12‑year‑old visitor was injured by a bull bison near Mud Volcano. Park officials said the case remains under investigation.
Park guidelines advise visitors to maintain at least 25 yards from large animals such as bison, elk, and deer, and 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars. Bison are known for their speed and unpredictable defensive behavior.
The injured man has expressed gratitude for the swift response and plans to undergo physical therapy to regain full mobility.
