Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is asking the public for help in identifying two men who were photographed harassing a bison calf.
A park news release states that the men were spotted approaching and touching the baby bison Sunday at about 1 p.m.
The news release contains the following advisory:
“If you were in the Elk Ranch Flats area on the afternoon of June 4, and have information that could help in this investigation, or if you know who these individuals are (pictured), please call the park Tip Line 307-739-3367. If you see any harassment of wildlife happening in the park, you may also call the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 to report the incident.”
Park regulations require tourists to remain at least 25 yards from bison.
The same rule is in effect in Yellowstone National Park, just to the north, where more than 5,000 bison reside.
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Bison give birth to calves early each spring. They’re commonly referred to as “red dogs” because their coats are reddish in the first several weeks of their lives.
Approaching or touching bison is considered harassment. Grand Teton National Park explained:
“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring. 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.”
–Top image showing a “red dog” bison is courtesy of ©Pete Thomas