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There are far too many people who are unable to resist the urge to approach wild animals while visiting America’s national parks, and one visitor to Yellowstone had insult added to literal injury when they were arrested after being attacked by a bison they allegedly kicked while under the influence of alcohol.
There’s a reason Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular federal reserves in the United States. The sprawling expanse that covers close to 3,500 square miles welcomed more than 4.5 million people in 2023 thanks to a stunning landscape that’s home to hundreds of species of animals—including plenty you don’t want to mess with.
Yellowstone is littered with signs reminding visitors to steer clear of the wildlife it’s home to, but there’s only so much officials can do to ensure guests stay on their best behavior. That reality has led to more than a few scenarios where animals that have been approached by people who lack a single iota of common sense decide to take matters into their own hands (or, more accurately, paws and hooves).
According to The National Park Service, we can add a new entry to the log courtesy of a 40-year-old man from Idaho who is currently facing jail time thanks to what transpired during his trip to Yellowstone last month.
The agency says Clarence Yoder was drunk when he decided to flaunt the rule that requires tourists to give bison at least 25 yards of space by approaching a herd before kicking one of the animals in the leg.
After receiving a call about the incident, park rangers were able to track down the car Yoder was traveling in and took him to a medical facility to address the “minor injuries” he suffered after the bison took exception to his assault. After he was treated, he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, approaching wildlife, disturbing wildlife, and “being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself.”
Yoder pled not guilty to all of the charges and faces up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted.