Rangers search for 2 visitors accused of harassing bison calf at Grand Teton National Park

Park rangers are looking for two people who were allegedly harassing a bison calf at Grand Teton National Park last week, officials said.

The two visitors were seen approaching and touching the calf in the Elk Ranch Flats area in Wyoming on June 4, Grand Teton officials said in a news release Thursday.

The incident is currently under investigation and park rangers are asking visitors who were in the area for additional information.

“Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring,” park officials said in the news release. “In this case, fortunately, the calf was successfully reunited with its herd, but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal.”

On June 1, Yellowstone National Park officials urged visitors to respect safety regulations after a man pleaded guilty to intentionally disturbing a baby bison that was later euthanized and tourists put an elk calf in their car. 

‘Leave it alone’:Yellowstone issues plea after multiple incidents of tourists disturbing wildlife

Stay away from animals, park said

Park officials said visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Approaching wild animals can affect their well-being and their survival, park officials said.  

“Use binoculars, a spotting scope or a telephoto lens for a good view,” park officials said. “Do not tease, touch, frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife.”

It is illegal to feed any wildlife including birds, squirrels, bears and foxes, park officials said. If fed, animals could become unhealthy, bite visitors, expose visitors to rabies or need to be killed.