Yellowstone National Park, Montana – In relation to an event on May 20, 2023, where the guy apparently interfered with a suffering newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park, which resulted in the animal’s death, a man from Hawaii pled guilty on Wednesday to one count of deliberately disturbing wildlife.
According to a YNP press statement, Clifford Walters of Hawaii was assessed a $500 fine, $500 Community Service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 special assessment, and a $10 processing fee.
In Lamar Valley, close to the meeting of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek, in the northeastern section of the park, Walters came upon a young bison calf. When the herd crossed the Lamar River, the calf lost contact with its mother.
The calf fought as Walters pushed it out of the river and onto the road. Later, witnesses allegedly witnessed the calf approach cars and people and pursue them.
The calf was separated from its herd several times despite park authorities’ best attempts. The abandoned animal was eventually killed by park personnel because it was endangering people and vehicles by approaching them.
The press release stated that “nothing in the report revealed Mr. Walters acted maliciously.”
Police personnel from Yellowstone National Park looked into the case, and Christyne M. Martens, an assistant US attorney, prosecuted it.
