A visitor to Yellowstone National Park was seriously injured after being charged by a bull bison at the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming. The dramatic incident, captured on video by a nearby photographer, highlights the importance of keeping a safe distance from the park's iconic wildlife.

According to witnesses, the visitor was walking with his grandson when the bison unexpectedly became aggressive. Moments earlier, the animal had been rolling in the dirt before moving through the campground. As people watched from a distance, the bison suddenly rushed toward the area where several visitors had gathered.

The injured man attempted to move away by running around a group of pine trees, but the animal caught up with him and struck him with considerable force. The impact lifted him several feet off the ground before he landed heavily.

Photographer Mike MacLeod, who was filming the encounter, said the situation changed within seconds. Concerned that the injured man remained in danger, he stopped recording and moved toward the bison while shouting in an effort to draw its attention away from the victim.

Once the animal left the area, campground visitors quickly came together to assist the injured man. One person contacted emergency services, while others monitored the surroundings in case the bison returned. Witnesses reported that the man complained of severe pain, particularly in his hips and the leg on which he landed, although they did not observe any obvious external bleeding.

Officials have not released further information regarding the visitor's condition.

Wildlife experts note that the incident occurred during the bison rut, the annual breeding season that typically lasts from June through September. During this period, male bison often become more territorial and unpredictable as they compete for mates, making close encounters especially dangerous.

Yellowstone National Park regularly reminds visitors that bison are wild animals that can move quickly and react aggressively when they feel threatened or disturbed. Maintaining the recommended safety distance is essential for protecting both visitors and the park's wildlife.