The 80-year-old man was visiting Yellowstone National Park in the US with his grandson when the 2,000lb bull bison charged at him and launched him roughly eight feet into the air, witnesses say08:56, 13 Jul 2026Terrifying moment huge bison flips grandfather into the airA colossal bull bison tossed an elderly man through the air "like a ragdoll" in a horrifying incident that left the grandfather reportedly fighting for his life - despite onlookers insisting he followed all the rules.‌The 80-year-old man, hailing from California, in the US, sustained serious injuries including a fractured hip after the 907kg beast launched at him at Yellowstone National Park's Bridge Bay Campground on Friday. In stark contrast to numerous wildlife encounters triggered by irresponsible visitors, witnesses maintain the grandfather, who was exploring the famous park, had done nothing wrong.‌The man had allegedly been enjoying an evening stroll with his young grandson when they noticed the bison resting in the dust approximately 100 yards away.‌This distance was well beyond Yellowstone's compulsory 25-yard safety zone. Local publication Cowboy State Daily reports that they therefore paused to snap a few photographs. However, the park is now entering bison rutting season, when bulls can turn extremely aggressive, protective and dangerously erratic, The Guardian reported.Onlooker and ex-Army combat photographer Mike MacLeod revealed the bull was already in an agitated state before the grandfather had even come near, having previously rushed at a group of youngsters who managed to escape unharmed.‌The creature was subsequently observed prowling through the campsite. Shortly afterwards, the bison rose to its feet. Sensing danger, the grandfather at that time told his grandson it was time to leave and they began backing away behind a copse of pine trees. But witnesses say a white truck driving by appeared to tip the bull over the edge.The bison subsequently charged at the truck, missed, then "locked eyes" on the grandfather and grandson in the trees and stormed into the grove. The grandson reportedly managed to sprint away, but the bull cornered the older man and struck.‌In a horrifying clip, which has since gone viral, the bison hooks the man's hip with its left horn and flips him roughly eight feet into the air. He somersaults mid-air before slamming down hard onto his side.MacLeod said the animal then stood over the fallen man, shaking its head, as if ready to gore him again. Fearing the tourist would be killed, MacLeod dropped his camera and charged at the bison, screaming and waving his arms. Other campers reportedly joined in and the bull finally backed off and ran away.Bystanders administered first aid, carried out a blood sweep and tried to keep the man calm until Yellowstone EMS arrived. The tourist was rushed to hospital and remains under close medical care. His family and witnesses said he is "not out of the woods yet".Article continues belowThe National Park Service has said it is investigating the incident.