A baby bison living in Yellowstone National Park (USA) had to be euthanized. On May 20, a tourist touched the animal while it was separated from its herd. The latter then no longer wanted to reinstate the little one, reports Geo.
The baby bison had been separated from its mother when the herd crossed a river. That’s when the tourist came to touch him, pushing him out of the river onto dry land. “There was nothing in the report that revealed that (the man) acted maliciously,” the prosecutor said in a statement.
A safe distance to respect
But this gesture caused a rejection of the little one by his congeners. The calf was later spotted alone, following cars and causing a “dangerous situation” on the park’s roads. Yellowstone officials had no choice but to euthanize the young bison.
The tourist pleaded guilty to intentionally disturbing wildlife. He was ordered to pay 500 dollars to the Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund and other costs for a total of 1,040 dollars (972 euros).
This sad event was an opportunity to recall the rules that tourists must respect in the park. Visitors should stay at least 25m from most wildlife and 100m from predators. “The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone’s good judgment and compliance with these simple rules,” says the park.