Dear editor:

In regards to the article on May 25 about euthanizing the young bison because its life had been altered by a stupid human makes us sad and livid at the same time.

We understand that wild animals, especially those that could do a great deal of harm, should never be approached by anyone outside of the people who know how to deal with them but, to do harm to an innocent wild animal that did not make any of the choices that were brought to it is inexcusable. Yes, there are a great many stupid people out there, and many come to Yellowstone to see all the animals in their normal habitats. Signs are posted for a reason yet many feel they don’t apply to them apparently. It is not a petting zoo!

The gentleman who thought he was saving the tiny bison also thought he was doing a great service to the little guy when, in actuality, he was doing a great disservice. Yes, it would be very hard to watch that little one die but it is the “circle of life” that would have helped other animals. Nature can be abhorrent at times but if we weren’t there to see it it would still exist.

“Rehabilitation itself is a difficult task with an uncertain outcome,” says the article. Yes, I would think it would be difficult but because of a stupid human act the innocent animal should not pay such heavy consequences. If it was injured and left to nature to take care of we would be sad but would understand.  

There are so many animal sanctuaries and refuges out there that surely one could have been found to take this little one. No, it does not always work but it is worth a try for one who did nothing wrong except have the misfortune to be born in Yellowstone.

Linda and Bob Graff 

Powell