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Idaho Man Arrested For Kicking a Bison in Yellowstone National Park

Bison
Bison. Image via Unsplash

Never would I think a human being would want to hurt a bison. This is especially so in Yellowstone National Park, where they are protected. In the vast expanse of Yellowstone National Park, where nature reigns supreme and wildlife roams freely, there are certain unspoken rules. One of them being: don’t mess with the bison. Yet, every now and then, someone decides to test the limits, with consequences as predictable as sunrise.

The Incident

bison
By Montanabw – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58680376

It was a regular day in the park until Clarence Yoder, 40, decided to make a bold move. Witnesses reported seeing him harassing a herd of bison, culminating in the inexplicable act of kicking one of them in the leg. As if nature itself had a way of asserting its authority, the bison didn’t take kindly to the intrusion and retaliated, leaving Yoder nursing minor injuries.

Facing the Consequences

Park rangers swiftly intervened, apprehending Yoder and subsequently jailing him after receiving medical treatment. His 37-year-old companion, McKenna Bass, didn’t escape unscathed either, facing charges of her own. The duo, hailing from Idaho Falls, found themselves entangled in a legal web, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to disturbing wildlife.

Lessons Learned

European bison.
Bisons can run faster than horses. Image via Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite being the largest land mammal in North America, bison are not to be trifled with. Yellowstone officials continuously stress the importance of maintaining a safe distance from all wildlife, emphasizing a minimum of 25 yards. Yet, some still choose to test fate, often with painful repercussions.

Want to Fight a Bison?

Bison, the largest land mammal of North America, tip the scales at a staggering 2,000 pounds for the bulls. Evidently, despite their bulk, they possess a surprising agility, capable of sprinting up to 40 mph (65 kilometers per hour). 

Keep Your Distance From Wildlife

Big old bison in nature.
Big old bison in nature. Image by fotoluxstudio via Depositphotos

As these majestic animals have faced near extinction and have only just started increasing in numbers, thanks to conservation efforts. I am reminded of the delicate balance between human beings and nature. While the allure of encountering wildlife up close may be tempting, it’s important to do so with caution and respect. After all, nature always leads. Those who dare to step out of line may find themselves on the receiving end of its less gentle force. Always keep your distance, remain cautious and respectful and nature will do the same.

What do you think about what the Idaho Man Kicking a Bison in Yellowstone Park? Please let me know in the comments below!

Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)

Carla

Sunday 6th of October 2024

They should have an IQ test before park entry, those who fail have to post a pretty high entry fee in case stupidity kicks in around the wildlife before entry.

Lisa Morris

Tuesday 7th of May 2024

Im happy, that idiot who kicked the bison 🦬 stay in jail for a long time.

Sandra Harrity

Monday 6th of May 2024

Was the Bison all right?