Yellowstone National Park staff have killed a baby bison that was rescued by a park visitor. The apparent rescue effort caused the herd of the calf to reject the animal.
Yellowstone stated in a press release that the calf was separated from its mother on Saturday when the herd had crossed a stream in the northern part of the park.
The release states that as the calf struggled across the river, a man approached it and pushed the animal up and out of the river onto a road.
According to the release, visitors later saw the calf follow cars and people.
The release notes that people’s interference can lead wildlife to reject their offspring.
The release states that after the failed reunification attempts, park staff killed a newborn “because it was left by the herd causing a dangerous situation by approaching people and cars along the road.”
The press release referred to the park regulations that require visitors to remain at least 25 yards away from wildlife including bisons, elks, deer and bears, and at least 100 yards away from wolves and wolves.
The park website has a page that explains why they don’t rescue animals when they are injured or separated from their mothers.
The park stated that law enforcement officers were seeking additional information regarding the incident.
He could be facing criminal charges. A spokesperson for the park did not respond immediately to a comment request.
