Man who caused bison calf death is fined; does penalty fit the crime?

The Yellowstone National Park visitor who caused the death of a bison calf by his reckless actions pleaded guilty to one count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentionally disturbing wildlife on May 31.

Clifford Walters of Hawaii intentionally disturbed a bison calf by trying to push it up from the Lamar River after it became separated from its mother and the herd when they crossed the river.

Walters pushed the struggling calf up from the river and onto the roadway where visitors later observed the calf walking up to and following cars and people.

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“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring,” Yellowstone National Park stated in a previous press release. “In this case, park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the calf with the herd. These efforts failed. The calf was later killed by park staff because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway.”

For his irresponsible actions, Walters was charged a $500 fine, a $500 Community Service payment to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 special assessment, and a $10 processing fee, this according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice District of Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.

“There was nothing in the report that revealed Mr. Walters acted maliciously,” the news release stated. Nevertheless, there are those who might question whether the relatively small penalty fits the crime, particularly in light of all the warnings the park issues and posts.

For those who need a reminder, the press release stated:

“Yellowstone National Park wants to remind the public that approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival.

“Park regulations require that people stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.”