Yellowstone National Park, Montana – After many incidences, including tourists driving a baby elk, Yellowstone National Park officials are warning the public to stay away from wildlife.
“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 said in a Thursday news release. The park encourages visitors to understand how their actions affect wildlife.
Over Memorial Day Weekend, tourists delivered a young elk to West Yellowstone Police Department. Park officials stated the calf “later ran off into the forest and its condition is unknown.”
Officials are investigating why vacationers drove the animal to the police station.
A Hawaii man pled guilty to disturbing a Yellowstone bison calf, which was euthanized.
“Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in some cases, survival,” the park added. “When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, road, or developed area, leave it alone and give it space.”
Park officials advised people to slow down on park roads. Last week, two black bears were killed on U.S. Highway 191. Officials reported hitting one elk and one bison.
Visitors must stay 25 yards from bison, elk, and deer and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
“Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury, and even death,” the park says.
