Why a Grandfather Healed by a Miracle Believes the Bison That Threw Him Eight Feet Into the Air Should Remain Free

A terrifying encounter at Yellowstone National Park has ended with a remarkable display of human forgiveness and deep respect for the wild. On July 10, Carl Isom-McDaniel was walking through the Bridge Bay Campground with his thirteen-year-old grandson when they spotted a massive bull bison resting in the distance. Estimating they were about one hundred yards away—well beyond the park’s safety regulations—they felt secure. However, the wild animal suddenly grew agitated, stood up, and charged directly toward them.

The grandfather and grandson split up, desperately running behind nearby trees for cover. The bison quickly closed the gap, striking Carl near the hip with its horn and launching his body roughly eight feet into the air. Carl slammed onto the hard ground, shattering his femur in four places. Helpless, injured, and unable to escape, he lay directly beneath the two-thousand-pound beast. The bison could have easily delivered a fatal blow, but instead, it simply stopped and stood over him. Carl later reflected on the moment, expressing immense gratitude that the animal chose to spare his life when it had every opportunity to take it.

Witnesses rushed to the scene, shouting and distracting the bison until it finally wandered off. Miraculously, Carl’s grandson escaped completely unharmed. After a thorough review of the incident, park officials announced that no action would be taken against the bison, allowing it to remain wild and free within Yellowstone. The attack occurred near the start of the bison mating season, a time when bulls are notoriously unpredictable and highly territorial.

Carl fully supports the park’s decision, harboring no anger toward the animal. He understands that wild animals do not operate on human morals or malice; they simply react to their environment. This harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder that while maintaining distance greatly reduces the risk of wildlife encounters, the unpredictability of nature means danger can never be entirely eliminated.