Man injured, arrested, after harassing bison

JACKSON (WNE) — In the first report of a visitor being injured by a bison this year, a 40-year-old Idaho Falls man allegedly approached a bison while under the influence of alcohol and sustained injuries. He is facing four misdemeanor charges stemming from the incident.

Clarence Yoder, 40, was charged April 22 in federal court after rangers responded to the area of Seven Mile Bridge, 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance, for a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. Yoder sustained minor injuries.

According to a Monday press release sent by Yellowstone National Park, rangers located Yoder's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Yoder was charged with four violations: feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife, presence in a park area when under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, disorderly conduct and violating closures and use limits.

Another Idaho Falls resident, identified as the driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, also is facing criminal charges. McKenna Bass, 37, also was arrested and cited for driving under the influence, interference after failing to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.

Both Yoder and Bass have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. The incident remains under investigation, the press release stated.

Yoder and Bass were released from Gallatin County Detention Center April 22 after each posted $3,500 in bond. Yoder's next appearance in federal court is May 23 and Bass is scheduled to appear July 2. Both are banned from entering Yellowstone National Park while the case is pending.

This story was published on April 30, 2024.