Yellowstone National Park’s wildlife season has barely started and the first reports of visitors disturbing wildlife are already here.
In a statement, Yellowstone park management said that “a 40-year-old male, Clarence Yoder, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison too closely (within 25 yards) on the afternoon of April 21, 2024, and was injured by the bison.”
Bison Injures Man in Yellowstone After Being Harassed
The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance.
Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. They located the suspect’s vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.
Yoder was arrested and charged with:
- being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself,
- disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition,
- approaching wildlife, and
- disturbing wildlife.
The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and cited for:
- driving under the influence,
- interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation, and
- disturbing wildlife.
Yoder sustained minor injuries from the encounter with the bison.
Rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated and released from medical care. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. At this point, these are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. The incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.
This is the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024. The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023. There was one reported incident in 2023 and three in 2022.
Wildlife Safety in Yellowstone National Park
The park reminds visitors that it’s “your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.”
Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area, give it space.
Stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.
The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules. Please refer to these wildlife safety guides for more information:
- Black bear safety tips
- Grizzly bear safety tips
- Mountain lion safety tips
- Elk safety tips
- Bison safety tips
Protect the park today and for future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge!