A man who intentionally disturbed a newborn bison calf and caused its death is being sought by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers.
The unidentified white male believed to be in his 40s or 50s was wearing a blue shirt and black pants when he approached the bison calf in Lamar Valley near the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek, according to the National Park Service.
The calf got separated from its mother when the herd crossed the Lamar River, and when the calf struggled, the man pushed the calf up from the river and onto the road. Later, the calf was observed walking up to and following cars and people.
From Yellowstone National Park:
“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring. In this case, park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the calf with the herd. These efforts failed. The calf was later killed by park staff because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway.
“Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival. Park regulations require that people stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards away 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.”
In this instance, the man did neither, and by his actions caused the death of the bison calf.
Also on FTW Outdoors: Yellowstone National Park issues warning of ‘danger’ to tourists
Yellowstone National Park explains why it doesn’t rescue wildlife and why it is important for the public to let nature take its course without human intervention. In part, it says:
“In the wildness of Yellowstone, animals that are vulnerable or make bad decisions become food for others. It can be difficult to watch nature take its course, especially when young animals are involved and human actions may have influenced the outcome. However, each year animals have more offspring than can possibly survive. The death of some animals is a necessary part of sustaining our populations of predators, scavengers, decomposers and, eventually, herbivores once the nutrient cycle comes full circle. Yellowstone is not a zoo or an animal park; it is the wilderness home to countless creatures living in their own environment on their own terms.”
If you were in Lamar Valley on the evening of May 20, 2023 and have information that could help this investigation, please contact the Yellowstone National Park Tip Line at (307) 344-2132 or email YELL_Tip@nps.gov.
Photo of the man being sought courtesy of Hellen Jack and the National Park Service.
