1 of 1 Man with a baby bison in Yellowstone Park, USA Photo: Hellen Jack/nps.gov Man with a baby bison in Yellowstone Park, USA Photo: Hellen Jack/nps.gov
Clifford Walters, an American living on the island of Hawaii, was visiting Yellowstone Park in Wyoming on May 20 when he saw a baby bison in a river.
The calf had separated from its mother when the herd crossed the river. The animal could not get out of the bed onto solid ground.
Walters then approached the bison and pushed the animal to get it out of the water onto the road where the herd was.
Park rules require guests to keep a distance of 23 meters from bison, elk and deer. If you see bears and wolves, stay even further away, 300 feet.
Bison often reject people interacting with humans, and that’s exactly what happened to the calf that Walters pulled out of the water.
Park rangers tried to release the cub back into the wild, but to no avail. The animal was abandoned by the other bison and was able to approach cars and people in the park. The park management then decided to put the puppy to sleep.
Last Wednesday (31), Walters pleaded guilty to intentionally feeding, touching, teasing or disturbing wild animals. He must pay a fine of US$500 (about R$2,500) and do community service as punishment. He still had to bear the costs associated with the proceedings.