A 40-year-old man who allegedly kicked a bison in the leg while under the influence of alcohol in Yellowstone National Park was injured by the animal and arrested, authorities said.
Clarence Yoder, a 40-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison in Yellowstone National Park on the afternoon of April 21 and was injured by the animal on the road to The west entrance, near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles. east of the park’s west entrance, according to a release from the National Park Service.
“Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report that an individual had harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg,” officials said in a statement detailing the altercation. “They located the suspect’s vehicle near the West Entrance and arrested him in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.”
Yoder was arrested and charged with being under the influence of alcohol to a degree likely to endanger himself, disorderly conduct likely to create or maintain a dangerous condition, approaching wildlife and disturbing the public. wildlife.
The driver of the vehicle Yoder was traveling in, McKenna Bass, 37, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and cited for driving under the influence, interfering with failure to yield to emergency lights and disturbing the vehicle. wildlife.
Yoder and Bass appeared in court April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, authorities said. Each violation can result in fines of up to $5,000 and six months in prison.
A 40-year-old man who allegedly kicked a bison in the leg while under the influence of alcohol in Yellowstone National Park was injured by the animal and arrested, authorities said.
NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Yoder, who was slightly injured during the encounter with the bison, was taken to a nearby medical facility following the incident where he was medically evaluated, treated and released from medical care, then transferred to the detention center of Gallatin County.
“It is your responsibility to follow safety rules and observe wildlife from a safe distance,” the National Park Service said. “The wildlife in Yellowstone National Park is wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. If necessary, turn around and head back the other way to avoid interacting with any nearby wildlife.
This is the first reported incident involving a visitor injured by a bison in 2024. The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023. One incident was reported in 2023 and three in 2022, park officials said.
The incident is currently under investigation and no further details about the altercation are immediately expected.
ABC News
