Yellowstone Visitor Whose Actions Caused a Baby Bison to Be Euthanized Pleads Guilty to Disturbing Wildlife
A Hawai'i man who visited Yellowstone National Park last month just got an expensive lesson in keeping a safe distance from wildlife, after park officials were forced to euthanize a baby bison as a result of his actions.
On May 20, Clifford Walters witnessed a baby bison become separated from its mother while the herd was crossing the Lamar River near the confluence of Soda Butte Creek. Walters then pushed the calf up from the river bed onto the road, where it began approaching cars and people.
After repeated unsuccessful attempts to reunite the calf with its herd, park rangers had to make the difficult decision to euthanize it, as it was causing a hazard to itself on the roadway.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Wyoming, Walters pled guilty to one count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife on May 31. He was charged a $500 fine, a $500 community service payment to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 special assessment, and a $10 processing fee.
However, the office did note that nothing in the incident report stated that Walters had acted maliciously.
Park officials also said that the incident should serve as a reminder to the public that approaching wild animals can drastically affect their wellbeing and survival, as was the case here. As with most national parks, Yellowstone regulations require that visitors stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, such as bison, elk and deer; and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
"Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death," the statement added. "The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules."
