YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo.– A man who kicked a bison in the leg was subsequently injured by one of the animals in Yellowstone National Park, park officials said.
Park rangers arrested and jailed him after he was treated for minor injuries.
Park rangers received a call about the man who allegedly harassed a herd of bison and kicked one of them about seven miles inside the park’s west entrance on April 21.
Rangers apprehended the man in a car driven by another person in nearby West Yellowstone, Montana, Yellowstone officials said in a news release Monday.
Park officials did not describe the 40-year-old man’s injuries from the bison. He was charged with being under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct and approaching and disturbing wildlife.
His 37-year-old companion was charged with driving under the influence, failing to yield to a police car and disturbing wildlife.
The two men from Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded not guilty during a trial on April 22.
Bison are the largest land mammal in North America, with bulls weighing up to 900 kilograms. Despite their size, bison can sprint up to 40 miles per hour. They routinely injure tourists who get too close.
Yellowstone officials are urging people to stay at least 75 feet away from all large wildlife in the park.
Some Yellowstone facilities opened last week for the busy summer season, a process that will continue into June.