Yellowstone tourists drive baby moose to police station

News

By Heather Brinkmann, FOX Weather

June 5, 2023 | 9:57 a.m.

Yellowstone National Park rangers are once again warning the public to stay away from wildlife after being forced to investigate an incident in which someone brought a baby moose to a local police station.

Park officials say that over Memorial Day weekend, visitors placed a baby moose in their car as they drove on US Highway 191 in the park and took the newborn to the West Yellowstone Police Department, Mountain.

It is unclear what happened after the young moose was dropped off.

“The moose then escaped into the woods,” authorities said. “The status of the moose is unknown.”

Yellowstone says the incident is under investigation.

This comes after several incidents in the park where park rangers warned visitors to stay away from wildlife.

Less than a week earlier, Yellowstone officials say a man intentionally disturbed a bison calf, resulting in the calf’s death.

The Hawaii man recently pleaded guilty, resulting in fines and fees.

And while no malicious intent was found, Yellowstone staff said the pup began trying to befriend people and follow cars, creating a hazard.

The rangers attempted to round up the calf, but were unsuccessful in their attempts as the pride rejected the calves.

In early May, a tourist was nearly trampled by a bison after trying to pet it.

The bison were said to be grazing near a footbridge in Yellowstone when someone approached the animal to take a selfie.

National Park rangers remind visitors never to approach wildlife, which could affect their well-being and survival.

Yellowstone advises that calving season has begun in the park and that cow moose are much more aggressive towards people during calving season and may run at you or kick you.

Federal regulations require people to stay at least 25 yards from wildlife such as elk, bison and deer, and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Yellowstone National Park attracts more than 3 million visitors a year and is one of more than 400 sites managed by the National Park System.