Yellowstone Bison Attacks Grandfather, Breaking Femur; Photographer Captures Incident

A bison launched a grandfather into the air at Yellowstone National Park, and the whole terrifying moment was caught on camera. Carl McDaniel is now recovering in the hospital after the attack, which left him with a broken femur, according to KKTV.
Photographer Mike MacLeod witnessed the charge and managed to chase the bison away after it hit McDaniel on the ground. McDaniel underwent surgery, which was successful, and his pain has since subsided, WECT reported.
MacLeod was at the park taking photos when he saw the bison charge McDaniel without warning. The animal hit the grandfather and sent him flying into the air. After McDaniel hit the ground, the bison struck him again. MacLeod then stepped in and chased the bison off, WLOX reported.
The video of the attack spread quickly online. It showed just how fast and powerful a bison can be. Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of 35 miles per hour, making them one of the most dangerous animals in the park, according to Fox5 Vegas.
McDaniel broke his femur — the large bone in the upper leg — during the attack. He was taken to a hospital where doctors performed surgery. The operation went well, and his pain began to ease afterward, WBBJTV reported.
McDaniel's family has not released many other details about his condition. But the fact that he survived the charge at all is remarkable, given the size and force of a full-grown bison, according to KCTV5.
Bison are responsible for more injuries at Yellowstone than any other animal in the park, according to WTVM. The park sees these incidents every year, often because visitors get too close to the animals.
The National Park Service warns visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison at all times. That is roughly the length of two school buses. Despite the clear rules, many people still approach the animals, KWCH reported.
Yellowstone officials remind guests every season that bison may look slow and calm, but they are wild animals that can move fast. The 25-yard rule exists for good reason. Getting too close can trigger a charge with almost no warning, according to 13ABC.
If a bison does charge, the park advises people to seek shelter in a vehicle or behind a solid barrier immediately. There is no safe way to outrun one. MacLeod's quick action likely saved McDaniel from far worse injuries, WISTV reported.
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