EBS STAFF
On the afternoon of April 21, 2024, rangers in Yellowstone National Park responded to a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located seven miles east of the park’s West Entrance.
They located the suspect’s vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in West Yellowstone. Clarence Yoder, 40, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was arrested and charged with: being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition, approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife. The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, was also arrested and cited for: driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.
According to a park press release, Yoder sustained minor injuries from the encounter with the bison, and rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated and released from medical care. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center. Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Yellowstone National Park reminds visitors, especially as park roads open to vehicles and we approach the busier season, to stay more than 25 yards away from all large animals including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. If you encounter a wild animal, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. You can learn more about safety in the park and take the Yellowstone Pledge.
