How many times have authorities asked tourists at Yellowstone National Parks to protect wildlife by leaving them alone? The latest incident involved good-intentioned tourists putting a newborn elk into their car and driving it to the West Yellowstone Police Department. Although we commend tourists as wanting to help, it DOES NOT!
According to a press release by the NPSGovYellowstone, over Memorial Day weekend, tourists came upon a newborn elk alone on U.S. Highway 191 and brought it to the police station. The report stated the calf somehow escaped and ran off into the forest. Its condition was unknown.
Yellowstone National Park mandates visitors to remain at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other animals including bison and elk.
in recent days, some actions by visitors have led to the endangerment of people and wildlife and resulted in the death of wildlife.
The park calls on visitors to protect wildlife by understanding how their actions can negatively impact wildlife.
Press release
Just last week, Clifford Walters, a tourist from Hawaii who was charged with “one count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentionally disturbing wildlife” pleaded guilty on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming. He was fined $1,000, including a $500 community service fee payable to Yellowstone’s wildlife protection fund.
Park authorities decided to kill the newborn “because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway.”
Read previous coverage of tourist trying to help – leave the wildlife alone.
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