A baby bison was recently killed by Yellowstone National Park staff, and some are seeing the measure as a bit extreme. The newborn calf was rejected by its herd after a park tourist "intentionally disturbed" it, according to the authorities. Park rangers believed it was for the safety of tourists to put the calf to rest.
Yellowstone posted an official statement on its Instagram page. "(News Release) Yellowstone law enforcement officers are asking the public for information about an incident that occurred on the evening of May 20, 2023, between an unidentified man and a newborn bison calf in the park's northeast corner," it started off. "The unfortunate incident where the man intentionally disturbed the calf resulted in the death of the calf."
The post went on to explain that the calf had been separated from its mother after the herd crossed a river. A man who realized the calf was struggling approached and pushed it out of the river and onto the roadway. Later on, the calf was seen walking up to and following cars and tourists.
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"Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring," the statement continued. "In this case, park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the calf with the herd. These efforts failed. The calf was later killed by park staff because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway."
"Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival. Park regulations require that people stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules."
The post concluded by asking anyone with information who was in the area of Lamar Valley at the time of the incident to contact the tip line. The matter is currently under investigation.
People in the comments were honestly taken aback by the situation.
One user said, "Are you freaking kidding me? You HAD to kill it?"
Another person said, "Putting him on blast for trying to help the calf without injuring any other animals in the process? He didn’t stab a bear or anything. Is the idea that if the herd would have eventually come back for it in time for it not to die otherwise? Don’t see why there needs to be a crime about it."
Yellowstone then issued a follow-up statement after receiving a large amount of backlash: "Many of you are asking why Yellowstone would euthanize a bison calf instead of caring for it or sending it to a sanctuary. Federal and state regulations prohibit the transport of bison out of Yellowstone unless those bison are going to meat processing or scientific research facilities. We now have a quarantine facility so bison can go through the months-long testing protocols for brucellosis and, if negative, be used to start conservation herds elsewhere. However, the use of quarantine for a newborn calf that's abandoned and unable to care for itself is not a good candidate for quarantine."
The explanation continued: "This is a conversation that's difficult to have on social media. But it's important to understand that national parks are very different than animal sanctuaries or zoos. We made the choice we did because national parks preserve natural processes. We provide this explanation not because we want everyone to agree with us, but because we believe that problem solving starts with difficult conversations. When these conversations arise, it's important that you continue to speak freely, and with the assumption that everyone, including the person who handled the bison was operating with the best intentions."
