Yellowstone kills baby bison after park guest ‘disturbs’ animal

A newborn bison has been euthanized in the US state of Wyoming after a visitor intentionally touched the animal, according to Yellowstone National Park.

The visitor was trying to help the calf rejoin its herd after it separated from its mother, according to the park.

The herd rejected the calf despite repeated attempts by park rangers to reunite the young bison.

Yellowstone is currently investigating the incident.

The calf had to be killed because it was abandoned by the herd and approached cars and people on the roadway, “causing a dangerous situation”, the park said on Tuesday.

‘An unidentified white man in his 40s wearing a blue shirt and black pants’ approached the newborn bison on Saturday after the calf was separated from his herd as he tried to cross the Lamar River.

“As the calf struggled, the man pushed the calf out of the river and onto the causeway,” the park said. The newborn animal was later spotted on the road around vehicles and visitors.

Human interference can cause a herd to reject its offspring.

“Approach to wild animals can significantly affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival,” the press release said, noting that people are required to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from any wildlife and to 100 meters from bears and wolves.

“The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone’s good judgment and following these simple rules.”

Law enforcement at Yellowstone National Park is now seeking information from the public about the incident.