parks
Grandfather recovering from surgery after bison attack at Yellowstone sent him flying
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 13, 2026
· 4 min read
By Sara Smart, CNN
(CNN) — What started as a yearly trip for a grandfather and his grandson turned into a visit to a Montana hospital after a bison attack at Yellowstone National Park.
Carl McDaniel, 65, was hospitalized with a broken femur after a bison charged and tossed him into the air Fr...
Key takeaway Carl McDaniel, 65, was hospitalized with a broken femur after a bison charged and tossed him into the air Friday evening at the park’s Bridge Bay Campground, according to McDaniel and the National Park Service.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While this incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park, it serves as a reminder for El Paso residents who enjoy outdoor activities in the region's own natural areas to be mindful of wildlife. The Franklin Mountains State Park, for example, is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and mountain lions. Visitors to these areas should be aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance from animals, even if they seem docile. The fact that a simple action like a truck driver laying on their horn can agitate an animal is a crucial lesson for locals who may encounter similar situations in their own backyard. As El Pasoans plan their outdoor adventures, they should take heed of Carl McDaniel's experience and exercise caution when interacting with wildlife, respecting their space and being prepared for unexpected encounters.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Sara Smart, CNN
(CNN) — What started as a yearly trip for a grandfather and his grandson turned into a visit to a Montana hospital after a bison attack at Yellowstone National Park.
Carl McDaniel, 65, was hospitalized with a broken femur after a bison charged and tossed him into the air Fr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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