Rodeo Finals Plus Bison & Bear Attack News

Season 6, Episode 298

Outdoors and Western Lifestyle News: Bison, Bears & Rodeo

From the rodeo arena to the great outdoors, today’s headlines highlight both the excitement and unpredictability of life across the American West. Here’s a look at three stories making news.

Yellowstone National Park Visitor Seriously Injured After Aggressive Bison Attack at Bridge Bay Campground

A visitor to Yellowstone National Park was seriously injured Friday evening after an aggressive bull bison charged and tossed him about eight feet or more into the air near Bridge Bay Campground.

Professional photographer Mike MacLeod, who witnessed and filmed the incident, said the man was walking with his grandson when the bison suddenly charged, despite the pair being about 100 yards away. The grandson escaped, but the grandfather was struck by the bison, flipped into the air, and suffered serious injuries.

MacLeod said the bull had been acting aggressively throughout the campground, charging at vehicles, people, and anything in its path. After the attack, the bison stood over the injured man until MacLeod and several bystanders shouted and moved toward the animal, causing it to retreat. Other campers immediately called 911 and helped care for the victim until Yellowstone emergency crews arrived.

The National Park Service has not yet released official details about the incident. According to MacLeod, the victim’s grandson later confirmed his grandfather suffered significant injuries and remains in recovery.

Wildlife experts note that bull bison become especially aggressive during the annual breeding season, known as the rut, which runs from June through September. While many Yellowstone wildlife encounters involve visitors getting too close to animals, MacLeod said this incident appeared different, with those involved keeping what is generally considered a safe distance before the unexpected attack.

The incident is the second reported bison-related injury in Yellowstone this year and serves as another reminder that wild animals can behave unpredictably, even when visitors follow recommended safety guidelines.
Reference: https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/07/11/tourist-seriously-injured-after-yellowstone-bison-launches-man-8-feet-in-the-air/

Black Bear Tears Into Camp in Wyoming, But Two Women Escape Unharmed

Two women are counting themselves lucky after a frightening overnight encounter with a black bear in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains.

Maggie Bassett and Shonna Dehl were camping when they say a black bear ripped into their tent, apparently determined to get inside. The pair yelled, screamed, and even fired warning shots, but they say the bear kept returning.

After several tense minutes, the bear finally left long enough for the women to reach their vehicle. They stayed inside, honking the horn for hours before driving to a nearby family cabin. Neither woman was injured, but when they returned later, they found their campsite and tents badly damaged.

The women say they had taken recommended bear precautions, including storing food properly and keeping nothing edible inside their tents. Wildlife experts believe the bear may have been “food-conditioned,” meaning it had previously learned to associate campsites and people with food. Bears that lose their natural fear of humans are more likely to approach camps and create dangerous situations.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has been notified and plans to trap and relocate the bear.

The incident is a reminder that even when campers do everything right, wildlife can still behave unpredictably. If you’re spending time in bear country this summer, experts recommend securing food, carrying bear spray, staying alert for signs of bears, and giving wildlife plenty of space. Preparation can’t eliminate every risk, but it can greatly improve your chances of staying safe.
Reference: https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/black-bear-attacks-two-women-in-tents
https://www.ktvq.com/news/wyoming-women-escape-black-bear-attack-on-their-tents-in-the-big-horn-mountains

National High School Rodeo Finals Underway in Nebraska

The 2026 National High School Rodeo Finals are underway in Lincoln, Nebraska, bringing together 1,800 of the best young rodeo athletes from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

Annually the National High School Rodeo Association has more than 12,000 student members competing at over 1,800 sanctioned events.

Competitors will battle for world championships in events ranging from barrel racing and team roping to bull riding and saddle bronc riding plus rifle and trap shooting, while also competing for scholarships and national recognition.

Special Shout-out to rodeo contestants: Bleu Wanner – Saddle Bronc & Trap Shooting, Hank Wanner –  Trap Shooting, Will Reich –  Rifle & Trap Shooting, Miranda Mossett – Barrels, Teagan Homelvig – Goat Tying and Rubi Johnson – Breakaway Roping.

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS