Newborn bison euthanized in Yellowstone Park after being “rescued” by tourists

Yellowstone Park employees had to put a young bison to sleep after well-meaning tourists rode it by car.

Karen Richardson from Victor, Idaho, witnessed a father and son bring a new-born bison to the park rangers in his car.

“They were seeking a meeting with the ranger. They were seriously concerned that the calf was frozen and dying,” Karen said.

But it was dangerous to do this for two reasons: first, adult bison usually vigorously protect their offspring; secondly, the mother may refuse the young taken from the herd, which is what happened this time.

The park staff tried to return the mother's animal twice, but the attempts were unsuccessful. He wandered alone near the roadway, creating a threat to people and cars.

After the incident, experts reminded that the park rules prohibit visitors from approaching animals closer than 20 meters.

Park staff noted that bison, trying to protect their offspring, can trample tourists.

And the zoo?

It was impossible to send the calf to the zoo or to another specialized facility, because, according to the rules, it would have to provide quarantine for several months, examination for brucellosis and other activities, while in Yellowstone there are no quarantine objects. If the cub had not been euthanized, he would have died of hunger or predators.

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