MOOSE, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is seeking the public’s help to identify two individuals who harassed a calf at the southern end of Elk Ranch Flats on June 4.
On Sunday at approximately 1 p.m., two individuals were seen approaching and touching a bison calf at the southern end of Elk Ranch Flats, the park reports. The incident is currently under investigation and the park is asking for any information.
Anyone who was in the Elk Ranch Flats area on the afternoon of June 4 and has information that could help in this investigation, or anyone who knows who these individuals are (pictured above), GTNP is asking them to please call the park Tip Line 307-739-3367.
If anyone sees any harassment of wildlife happening in the park, they may also call the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 to report the incident.
“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring,” GTNP says in a press release. “In this case, fortunately, the calf was successfully reunited with its herd, but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal. Approaching wildlife can drastically affect their well-being and survival.”
The safety of wildlife and visitors depends on everyone following these simple rules:
- Be alert for wildlife and keep a safe distance. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife. Use binoculars, a spotting scope or a telephoto lens for a good view. Never get between a female and offspring, as mothers are very protective. Let wildlife thrive undisturbed.
- Do not tease, touch, frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife.
- Roadside viewing is popular, but keep the road clear. Use pullouts or pull completely off the roadway with all four wheels to the right of the white line.
- It is illegal to feed any wildlife including birds, ground squirrels, bears, foxes, etc. Wildlife will develop a dependency on people for food, resulting in poor nutrition and aggressive behavior.
- To protect wildlife and visitors, the park may close key habitat areas to all travel. Some areas are temporarily closed and others have seasonal closures. For the latest closures, check nps.gov/tetonclosures.
Recently, a bison calf died in Yellowstone National Park due to human interference, among other incidents that are also under investigation.
