Several wild animals died
Tourists take moose calf in car: Yellowstone admonishes visitors after series of misconduct
A moose in Yellowstone National Park. Most recently, visitors had taken a moose calf with them in their car. (icon picture)
© EVGENY IVANOV / Picture Alliance
Tourists in Yellowstone National Park repeatedly endanger wildlife with their behavior. Most recently, visitors had taken a moose calf with them in their car. The national park is now appealing to its visitors to behave more considerately.
Recently, visitors to Yellowstone National Park have caused a stir because their behavior endangers animals and nature. A few days ago, some visitors had picked up a newborn moose calf in their car to take to a Montana police station. The animal later ran away into the forest and was never seen again, and according to a statement from the park, nothing is known about its condition. According to the park, it is still being determined why the tourists took the moose calf with them in their car.
Earlier in late May, another tourist tried to help a baby bison climb a slope, grabbed it and pushed it from behind. The animal had to be euthanized afterwards because its herd avoided it after its contact with humans. Since the end of May there have also been several collisions between cars and wild animals, two bears are said to have died.
Yellowstone National Park points out its park rules
Because of these incidents, the National Park Service has been pointing out in a statement on its website since last week that the behavior of some visitors is seriously endangering the wild animals. “The park encourages visitors to protect wildlife by understanding how their actions can negatively impact them.” For example, they should ensure that they always drive carefully and not too fast on the paths for cars and also keep a sufficient distance from animals on foot. According to park rules, there must be at least 23 meters from wild animals, and even 90 meters from wolves or bears. “If an animal is near a campground, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, road, or in a built-up area, leave it alone and give it space,” the park’s statement said .
Not only for the protection of the animals, but also for the visitors, too close contact with the wild animals can be dangerous: last year, two visitors were impaled by bison after they got too close to them.
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Sources: National Park Service, CNN, CBS News, Guardians