WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man on multiple allegations after a Bison at Yellowstone National Park injured him.
According to the National Park Service, on April 21, a 40-year-old man identified as Clarence Yoder of Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison too closely (within 25 yards) and was injured by the bison.
The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance.
Park Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. They located the suspect's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.
Rangers arrested Yoder on requested charges of being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition and approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife.
The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and on requested charges of driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.
Rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated for minor injuries 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. Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. This incident, the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024, remains under investigation.
The park reminded visitors: It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.