Man Fined After Touching Baby Bison At Yellowstone Which Was Later Put Down

Credit: Hellen Jack / National park Service

A guy who was seen attempting to assist a terrified baby bison in Yellowstone National Park was punished after officials claimed his intervention forced them to euthanize the animal.

The animal was pushed by Clifford Walters over a river embankment and onto a nearby road, according to the US Department of Justice.

Although there was no proof that Walters had malicious intentions, park workers said that his behavior had affected the calf's attempts to approach people and follow cars, which led to "a hazardous situation," the Park stated in a formal news release last month.

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The calf was rejected by the animal when park officials tried to reconnect it with its herd, most likely as a result of human interference.

The bison had to be put to death, according to park staff, in the days following Walters' intervention.

On Wednesday, May 31, Waters, a resident of Hawaii, entered a plea of guilty to one count of feeding, stroking, teasing, frightening, or willfully disturbing wildlife.

He will be required to pay a $500 fine, $500 in community service to the Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, and an additional $40 in costs.

Law enforcement officials in Yellowstone urged the public for information about the event and shared a photo of Walters attempting to assist the bison.

In a press release, the park said that Walters "intentionally disturbed the calf," which "resulted in the calf's death."

However, the park's actions incited outrage among visitors and on social media.

At the time, a news release explained: "The calf had been separated from its mother when the herd crossed the Lamar River. As the calf struggled, the man pushed the calf up from the river and onto the roadway.”

"Visitors later observed the calf walk up to and follow cars and people.”

“Interfering with wildlife can lead to them being rejected by their parents.”

“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."

Yellowstone issued a lengthy post on social media to explain its actions after the park's choice received criticism.

“This is a conversation that’s difficult to have on social media,” part of the statement reads. “But it’s important to understand that national parks are very different to animal sanctuaries and zoos.”

"We made the choice we did not because we are lazy, uncaring, or inexpert in our understanding of bison biology.”

"We made the choice we did because national parks preserve the natural processes. By this, we mean undomesticated wildlife and the ecosystems they both depend on and contribute to.”

According to federal laws, people must keep at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from animals like bison, elk, and deer.