Identity of man tossed 8 feet into the air by massive bison in Yellowstone video revealed

The man who was violently tossed into the air by a charging bison at Yellowstone National Park has now been identified as Carl McDaniel, a longtime Washington state community leader known for decades of local volunteer work.

The attack happened Friday at Bridge Bay Campground, leaving the man with significant injuries after the animal hooked him with one of its horns before throwing him roughly eight feet into the air.

The incident was caught on camera by photographer Mike MacLeod, who was camping nearby when everything unfolded. The video shows the man walking through the campground with his grandson while the bison suddenly became aggressive.

According to The New York Times, McDaniel, who is from Bothell and is in his mid-60s, was left with multiple broken bones after the attack.

According to people who know McDaniel, he’s spent years serving his community. Cascadia Daily News reports that he’s lived in Kendall, Washington, for roughly 25 years and has held several public service roles over the years.

He has served as a commissioner for the Columbia Valley water and parks districts, sat on multiple local boards, and has even been described as someone willing to step in as Santa Claus when needed. He’s also served on the Whatcom County Surface Mining Advisory Committee and as a board member for the Foothills Community Alliance, helping improve local parks and strengthen the community.

Witness says the animal had already been acting aggressively

MacLeod said the bison had shown signs of aggressive behavior well before McDaniel arrived. According to him, the same bull had already charged toward a group of teenagers earlier that evening and seemed to be “charging anything and everything.”

“When he got up, it was kicking like a rodeo horse who’s clearly very agitated,” MacLeod recalled, according to VT.