A grandfather is recovering from multiple broken bones and other injuries sustained during a bison attack in Yellowstone National Park, an incident he credits his son with mitigating.

The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the Old Faithful geyser area when a bison charged at a group of visitors. According to a witness, the grandfather was injured when he stepped between the bison and his grandson to protect the child.

The grandfather, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly gored and thrown by the animal. Park rangers were quickly on the scene to provide medical assistance and transport him to a local medical facility for treatment. His condition is reported as stable, with recovery expected.

This incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns for visitors in Yellowstone, where wildlife, particularly bison, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Park officials have repeatedly warned visitors to maintain a safe distance from all wild animals, especially large mammals like bison and bears.

Bison are the most common large mammal in Yellowstone, and encounters are frequent. While generally grazing peacefully, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened, are protecting young, or are disturbed. The park's guidelines strongly advise maintaining at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison and other large animals, and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves.

Officials are investigating the specific circumstances of the attack to understand how the group came into such close proximity with the bison. This encounter serves as a stark reminder that Yellowstone is a wild environment, and visitors must exercise extreme caution and respect for the animals and their space.

Yellowstone National Park has seen several incidents involving bison and visitors in recent years, prompting renewed emphasis on visitor education regarding wildlife safety. These events underscore the importance of adhering to park regulations and observing wildlife from a safe and respectful distance to prevent injury and ensure the well-being of both visitors and animals.

No further details regarding the specific sequence of events or the condition of the bison have been released. Park authorities continue to monitor the area and remind the public to remain vigilant.