Bison charges tourist, leaving him with broken femur

A 65-year-old man was hospitalized with a fractured femur after being attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on July 10, 2026. He was watching the animal with his grandson when it suddenly charged, throwing him approximately eight feet into the air. The man is recovering in a Montana hospital after undergoing surgery for a femur broken in four places.

Bison are responsible for more injuries to visitors in Yellowstone than any other wild animal. Despite their size, they can run up to 35 mph, making it crucial for park visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards. Warning signs that a bison may charge include head lowering, pawing the ground, and snorting. If a charge is imminent, visitors should immediately move away and seek cover.