Authorities arrested an Idaho man earlier this month after he harassed a herd of bison in Yellowstone National Park and one of them subsequently kicked him.
According to Monday's announcement, 40-year-old Clarence Yoder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was charged with a host of charges, including approaching and disturbing wildlife, disorderly conduct, and being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself.
Officials with the National Park Service say authorities responded to the incident on April 21 after receiving a report that Yoder approached the herd about seven miles away from Yellowstone's west entrance and one of the bison kicked him in the leg. Yoder was transported to a hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
Authorities also arrested 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, who they say drove Yoder out to the location, Bass was arrested for driving under the influence, failing to yield to emergency lights, and disturbing wildlife.
Both Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Although the incident is still under investigation, if convicted, they could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine for each violation. Neither the citations nor charging documents were not publicly available at the time of publication.
The Park Service added that this is the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024. Last year, there was only one incident, and three in 2022.
According to national park rules, you're supposed to keep at least 25 yards away from all large animals like bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
