An Idaho man hurt himself in Yellowstone National Park after he kicked a bison in the leg while intoxicated and was arrested along with his companion.
Clarence Yoder, 40, of Idaho Falls got within 25 yards of the bison a few miles from the park’s western entrance on April 21, park officials said Monday.
After the rangers arrived, they took Mr. Yoder for treatment for an unspecified minor injury. After he was released from the hospital, he was charged with being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly and hazardous conduct, approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife.
His companion, McKenna Bass, 37, also of Idaho Falls, was charged with driving under the influence, failure to yield to an activated emergency light and disturbing wildlife, park officials said.
If found guilty, the pair face fines and jail time.
The incident was the first time a bison injured someone in Yellowstone National Park since a goring last July.
Park officials reiterated in their release that visitors should always stay at least 25 yards away from large animals, including bison, moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and coyotes, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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