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A drunk man from Idaho was injured after he kicked a bison at Yellowstone National Park on April 21, the National Park Service said in a press release.
Authorities said that 40-year-old Clarence Yoder suffered a minor injury and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. He was then transferred to the Gallatin County Detention Center, where he was 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 was in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, was also taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation, and disturbing wildlife.
They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
This is the first time in 2024 that a visitor has been injured by a bison at Yellowstone. Last year, there was just a single incident on July 17. There were three reported incidents of a person being injured by a bison in 2022.
"Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals – bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes – and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity," the National Park Service said.