Caught on camera: 2,000-pound Yellowstone bison hurls tourist into the air

A Yellowstone tourist suffered serious injuries after a charging bull bison hurled him nearly eight feet into the air

A tourist was seriously injured after being launched nearly eight feet into the air by a charging bull bison at Yellowstone National Park, with the terrifying incident captured on video by a nearby photographer.

The attack occurred on July 10 at the Bridge Bay Campground in Wyoming, where a male bison weighing an estimated 2,000 pounds reportedly became aggressive and began charging through the area.

Photographer Mike MacLeod, who witnessed and filmed the encounter, said the animal appeared unusually agitated and was "charging anything and everything." According to his account, the bison first rushed toward a group of children before turning its attention to other campers.

A tourist was seriously injured after a bison tossed them about 8 feet into the air in Yellowstone National Park. The attack was captured on video by photographer Mike Macleod. pic.twitter.com/ZtGTb32Gee

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The victim, who was walking with his grandson, attempted to move away after spotting the animal. However, the bison reportedly chased the pair before hooking the man with one of its horns and tossing him several feet into the air.

MacLeod said he immediately stopped filming and rushed toward the animal, joined by several other bystanders, in an effort to drive it away from the injured man. Witnesses also called emergency services while others assisted the victim until first responders arrived.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he reportedly underwent surgery for a broken leg. According to MacLeod, who has remained in contact with the man's family, the grandfather's first concern after the attack was whether his grandson was safe.

Despite initial assumptions that the incident may have been caused by visitors approaching the animal too closely, MacLeod maintained that those nearby had kept a respectful distance and did not provoke the bison.

Yellowstone National Park regularly warns visitors that wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly during the summer breeding season, when male bison become more aggressive. Park officials advise visitors to remain at least 25 yards away from bison and other large animals and to move away immediately if an animal approaches.

The incident marks Yellowstone's second reported bison attack on a visitor this year. Park officials continue to investigate the latest encounter.