Manapprehended after attacking a bison in Yellowstone National Park sustains injuries.
In the town of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Clarence Yoder drew close to a meandering group of bison, finding himself only 25 yards away from them. This happened on a Sunday afternoon, just seven miles east of Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance. This incident was reported to the National Park Service, which prompted them to respond.
A news release from the organization stated that park rangers rushed to the location after hearing about someone harassing a herd of bison and even kicking one of them in the leg. They traced the car where the incident took place near West Yellowstone, Montana, and arrested Yoder. The 40-year-old man was taken to a local medical facility to undergo a check-up before being transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center in Bozeman, Montana.
The news release did not provide any information about the injury Yoder sustained.
Having an encounter with Yoder, the park authorities sought the penalties listed in the law for his actions. Yoder was charged with the following offenses:
- Drunkenly endangering himself or others
- Engaging in disorderly behavior, thus creating a potentially dangerous situation
- Intruding upon wildlife
- Disturbing wildlife
Yoder's female companion, McKenna Bass (37), was also apprehended by the rangers. She too faced charges, which are as follows:
- Driving under the influence
- Obstructing a law enforcement officer by failing to yield to their emergency signals
- Disturbing wildlife
Documents from the US District Court reveal that on April 22 - the day after their confrontation with the rangers - both Yoder and Bass decided to forgo legal representation and entered not-guilty pleas. The sentence for these violations can include fines of up to $5,000 and six months' imprisonment. The investigation into the case is still ongoing, according to the release.
This year, the first bison-related incident resulting in an individual's injury took place in Yellowstone National Park. Last year, the park witnessed three such incidents, while only one took place in 2023. Anyone visiting the park is advised to keep a safe distance from animals, with the recommendation being at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. Distancing must be at 100 meters from bears and wolves.
It's important to remember that wild animals like bison are not tame despite their large size. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) and can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). They can even jump over obstacles that measure about 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height and can exhibit aggression.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
