Clifford Walters pleaded guilty to one count of feeding, touching, teasing, scaring or intentionally disturbing wildlife on Wednesday, and was ordered to pay around $1,000, half of which will go to the park’s wildlife fund , the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Walters had tried to help the calf after it became separated from its mother and struggled to get out of the Lamar River on May 20, park officials said.
But that contact led the bison herd to reject the calf, despite repeated failed attempts by park rangers to reunite them.
The calf was later euthanized by park staff because it was causing danger by approaching cars and people on the road.
Prosecutors said there was no evidence that Walters acted maliciously.
According to the park, the calf was euthanasia instead of being sent to a sanctuary because federal and state regulations prohibit transporting bison out of the park unless they are sent to meat processing or scientific research facilities.
In a statementYellowstone National Park reminded visitors to stay at least 25 meters away from all wildlife and at least 100 meters away from bears and wolves.
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