An Idaho man has been arrested on suspicion of drunkenly kicking a Yellowstone bison, park officials said.
Clarence Yoder, 40, of Idaho Falls, was ultimately injured in the incident near the park’s west entrance on April 21, according to the National Park Service.
“Rangers responded to the scene after receiving a report of a person harassing the bison herd and kicking the bison in the legs,” NPS said in a statement. “Police spotted the suspect’s vehicle near the west entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.”
“Yoder was arrested and charged with 1) being under the influence of alcohol to a degree likely to endanger himself, 2) disorderly conduct creating and maintaining a dangerous condition, and 3) approaching a wild animal. and 4) nuisance of wildlife,” park officials said. Added.
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An Idaho man was injured when he kicked a bison in Yellowstone National Park, authorities said. (NPS/Jacob W. Frank)
Officials said Yoder “suffered minor injuries from the encounter with the bison” and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment before being transferred to the Gallatin County Detention Center.
The driver of his vehicle, McKenna Bass, 37, of Idaho Falls, was also arrested and charged with driving under the influence, failure to activate emergency lights, and nuisance to wildlife. He was indicted.
Yoder and Bass pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a potential fine of up to $5,000 and six months in prison, in court on April 22, according to the NPS.
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A herd of bison grazes along a highway above the Yellowstone River in Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park, near Canyon Village, Wyoming, on September 23, 2022. Park officials say the incident marks the first time a tourist has been injured by a bison in 2024. (George Rose/Getty Images)
Park officials say this is the first time a Yellowstone Park visitor has been reported injured by a bison this year.
“The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023,” they added. “One incident was reported in 2023 and three in 2022.”
NPS advises that approaching wildlife in Yellowstone National Park can be dangerous.
Entrance sign along U.S. Highway 212 at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Education Images/Universal Images Group, Getty Images)
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“Give animals space if they are near campgrounds, trails, trails, parking lots, or developed areas. All large animals, such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and coyotes, “Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves,” officials say. “If necessary, turn around and go in the opposite direction to avoid contact with nearby wildlife.”
