An individual from Idaho Falls was apprehended last week at Yellowstone National Park for offenses related to alcohol and other misconduct, after purportedly striking a bison and subsequently being harmed by the animal, officials announced Monday.
The man reportedly kicked a bison in the leg along West Entrance Road on April 21, as per the National Park Service. Despite sustaining minor injuries, he was arrested and charged with being under the influence of alcohol to an extent that endangered himself, disorderly conduct creating or maintaining a hazardous condition, approaching wildlife, and disturbing wildlife, the park service reported.
A woman accompanying him faced charges of driving under the influence, failing to yield, and disturbing wildlife. Rangers halted their vehicle in West Yellowstone, Montana, the park service stated.
Both individuals have entered pleas of not guilty, according to the park service.
Male bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, and the park's bison population can range from 3,000 to nearly 6,000. However, last summer, biologists counted 4,830 bison in the park.