Yellowstone National Park officials have confirmed that a bison involved in a serious injury to a tourist will not be euthanized.
The animal will remain in the park, with no management action planned against it following the incident.
The bison charged a grandfather, tossing him roughly eight feet into the air and causing multiple broken bones that required surgery.
The tourist and his 13-year-old grandson had been observing the animal at a distance before the sudden attack occurred.
A wildlife photographer who recorded the encounter said he stopped filming to help drive the bison away and assist the injured man.
He noted that neither the tourist nor his grandson appeared to provoke the animal, and the bison seemed intent on the confrontation.
The grandfather has since undergone surgery and is recovering from his injuries, while the grandson was physically unharmed.
Park officials urge visitors to maintain a distance of at least 22 metres from bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and reach speeds of 48 km/h.
Bull bison grow especially aggressive during the annual rut, when mating behavior makes them volatile and unpredictable.
Authorities emphasize that bison are wild animals and can act unpredictably regardless of how calm they may appear.
