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Interference by people can cause wild animal mothers to reject their offspring. In this case, park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the newborn bison calf with the herd. These efforts failed. The bison calf was later euthanized because it was …
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Last week in Yellowstone National Park, visitors were cited for placing a newborn bison calf in their vehicle and transporting it to a park facility because of their misplaced concern for the animal's welfare. Their actions resulted in the death of the calf, according to a Monday news release from the National Park Service.
Interference by people can cause wild animal mothers to reject their offspring. In this case, park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the newborn bison calf with the herd. These efforts failed. The bison calf was later euthanized because it was abandoned and causing a dangerous situation by continually approaching people and cars along the road.
The National Park Service is again asking visitors to respect wildlife and safety regulations.
In recent weeks, Yellowstone National Park visitors have been engaging in inappropriate, dangerous and illegal behavior with wildlife, the Park Service said.
In terms of human safety, taking the bison calf was dangerous because adult animals are very protective of their young and will act aggressively to defend them.
In a recent viral video, a visitor approached within an arm's length of an adult bison in the Old Faithful area. Another video featured visitors posing for pictures with bison at extremely unsafe and illegal distances. Last year, five visitors were seriously injured when they approached bison too closely. Bison injure more visitors to Yellowstone than any other animal.
Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in the case of the bison calf, their survival. Park regulations require that people remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all wildlife, including bison, elk and deer. And, at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves.
Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules, according to the Park Service.
For more information about safety in Yellowstone, go to www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
