Tourists seen ‘harassing’ a baby bison in Grand Teton National Park, rangers say
Park rangers said they are once again searching for tourists seen “harassing” a baby bison at a national park.
Two people were spotted “approaching and touching a bison calf at the southern end of Elk Ranch Flats in Grand Teton National Park” on Sunday, June 4, at about 1 p.m., National Park Service officials said in a June 8 news release.
A photo shows two people near the edge of a roadway with a tiny bison calf scampering away from them.
Officials are asking anyone who was in the area at that time and might have information to call the park tip line at 307-739-3367.
Interfering with wildlife can cause animals to reject their offspring, officials said. Luckily, the calf was reunited with its herd, “but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal” — which happened recently in Yellowstone National Park.
In May, a man tried to “help” a bison calf that had been left behind by its herd while crossing a river in the park, McClatchy News previously reported.
Though he had good intentions, his interference ultimately caused the calf to die after its mother repeatedly rejected it. Park rangers said they had to euthanize it because it was causing a hazard by approaching cars and people along the roadway.
“Approaching wildlife can drastically affect their well-being and survival,” officials said in the release.
It’s important to be on the lookout for wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals when visiting national parks, officials said. A safe distance is at least 100 yards away for bears and wolves, and 25 yards for other wildlife.
Officials recommended using binoculars, a spotting scope or a telephoto lens to get a good view.
“Let wildlife thrive undisturbed,” officials said. “If your actions cause an animal to change their behavior, you are too close.”
This story was originally published June 8, 2023 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Tourists seen ‘harassing’ a baby bison in Grand Teton National Park, rangers say."
