WATCH: Grandfather Survives Seemingly Unprovoked Yellowstone Park Bison Attack

Yellowstone National Park officials are defending an elderly man who was involved in a harrowing incident involving a bison over the weekend.

A video has gone viral that shows an unprovoked bison in Yellowstone National Park chase after a grandfather, identified as Carl McDaniel, on the afternoon of July 10 before launching the white-bearded man several feet into the air and onto his side. The victim is recovering from his injuries in an area hospital, according to the New York Post.

Elderly Man Targeted, Attacked By Yellowstone Bison On Friday, July 10

While many who commented on the video are blaming the victim for the attack, it appears the elderly man took the necessary precautions to avoid a confrontation with the animal who appeared the target the two onlookers across a road and from a far distance. The attack happened near Bridge Bay Campground.

While no updates were shared on the park's Meta page as of 9 A.M. Monday morning (MT), park officials were quoted as saying the man followed safety rules by maintaining a distance of at least 100 feet and that the incident was a freak occurrence.

READ MORE: Yellowstone Park Bison Suffers Awful Death In Hot Spring

Animal rights folks and keyboard commentators are sometimes quick to label individuals in these types of circumstances as 'tourons,' but the video clearly shows the pair of family members admiring the massive animal from a great distance and not infringing on its space.

We are grateful the man survived the ordeal, and wish him a speedy recovery. Remember to give these amazing animals personal space, and never attempt to get close for a photograph.