A 40-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, was injured after approaching a bison too closely in Yellowstone National Park on April 21.
The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, seven 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.
The man, identified as Clarence Yoder, was arrested and charged with being under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct, approaching wildlife, and disturbing wildlife. Yoder’s driver, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, also of Idaho Falls, was arrested and cited for driving under the influence, interference with emergency vehicles, and disturbing wildlife.
Yoder sustained minor injuries from the encounter with the bison and was transported to a nearby medical facility for evaluation and treatment before being taken to the Gallatin County Detention Center. Both Yoder and Bass pleaded not guilty to the charges in court on April 22.
This is the first reported incident of a visitor injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park in 2024. The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023, with one reported incident in 2023 and three in 2022.
Visitors are reminded to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance of at least 25 yards for large animals and 100 yards for bears and wolves. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
Read more about safety in the park, including how to behave around wildlife. The safety of these animals and human safety depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.
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