An Idaho man is under arrest after Yellowstone National Park authorities say he harassed a herd of bison, kicking one in the leg in a drunken encounter.
The suspect was identified as Clarence Yoder, 40, of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He ended up being injured by the bison.
The park service says the encounter with the wild animals happened near the park's west entrance in the afternoon of April 21. They say witnesses called to report the man's actions.
They found Yoder in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. He was arrested and charged with being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct, approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife.
The driver of the vehicle was also arrested. The park service says McKenna Bass, 37, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was cited for driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.
Yoder's injuries were described as minor. Rangers transported Yoder to a medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated and released. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Yoder and Bass have pleaded not guilty to the charges. They could face $5,000 in fines and six months in jail.
Park officials remind guests that wildlife in Yellowstone are wild and can be dangerous when approached. Visitors are expected to stay at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears.
It was the first incident of a visitor being injured by a bison since July 17, 2023. In that incident, a 47-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, was gored by a bison near the Lake Lodge Cabins on the north shore of Lake Yellowstone.
That was the only reported incident in 2023. There were three in 2022.
James Bond star Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty in March to illegally entering protected thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park during a visit in November 2023.
