VIDEO: Disrespectful Motorcyclists Get Too Close to Bison Calves in Yellowstone

UPDATE: 

The men (and not kids, as we speculated) are 25-year-old Dallin McCallister and 36-year-old Tyler McCallister.  They have appeared in front of a federal judge and are charged with riding vehicles in places they shouldn't, and intentionally frightening the wildlife.  They have plead NOT guilty.  The NBCMontana article can be read HERE.

Bikers harassing bison
Source: Youtube

It's a fact: someone does something stupid in Yellowstone National Park every single day. But most of the time it's not out of malice, but out of ignorance.  People approach wild animals in the Park because they want a good selfie, or they want to pet a bison -- stupid, yes.  But malicious, no. 

But this video, taken on 9/11 in the Park, shows not only foolhardiness but a general lack of regard for the Park's wildlife.  

Uploaded to Youtube just this morning, the video centers on a goup of young motorcyclists abusing animals in the park by getting too close to them, including riding their motorcycles close to juvenile bison and off-road.  They were lucky enough to avoid the same fate as the woman in this summer's other biker/bison encounter, at least.

Biker with bison
Source: Youtube

The video highlights a bigger issue that is inherent to National Parks.  They are at once nature preserves, ways of protecting parsels of natural wilderness from the encroachment of development, and (at least in the eyes of some people) amusement parks.  And when you go to the amusement park, you go with a sense of entitlement; you go to be amused.  And if that means that you're going to buy a fried twinkie, that means you'll do it, and damn the consequences.  When you go to a place with that kind of mindset, especially one that teems with dangerous and precious wildlife, you risk  not just a stomachache but the wellbeing and even lives of those around you.  

We show this video not to point any fingers at the kids.  

Certainly we don't know these young people, and we assume that they are decent kids, that their parents raised them to respect other people and animals.  They are probably just acting with the abundance of confidence and daring that characterize youth.  But they are also playing with forces that dwarf them in every sense, not to mention can run at 35 mph and weight up to a ton. 

Please, please, please.  If you are going to go into a National Park, a sacred and treasured place, a place that exists to facilitate a communion with the beauty and power of nature, behave with a little regard for others.  And don't piss off the giant beasts.

Source: Youtube. For licensing or usage, contact [email protected]

Leave a Comment Here

Kemical Fenix (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 15:03
Lol yeah, a lifetime of debt for riding your motorcycle off road....grow tf up.
Chris (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 08:36
Someone should of knocked them off their bikes and put the fear of GOD in them. We are surrounded by stupid people
Aaron (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 08:45
You know what's really stupid is all the cars in the park stopping in the middle of the road every time they see a squirrel or a chipmunk or any other thing with legs
Maggie (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 09:10
Hope bison kick the shit out of the morons
Linda Miller (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 09:23
They think they are bulletproof...till they're not!
EJMalyn (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 09:23
These punks need to be arrested. This is a form of animal cruelty, maybe one of them needs to be trampled by one of these beautiful, innocent, defenseless animals before they learn their lesson. Humans disgust me! Leave our wildlife alone, let them live in peace. ❤️
Lazy Prophet (not verified) , Wed, 09/16/2020 - 19:15
Bison are not defenseless you moron, as you said yourself you hope they trample those guys, that means they're not defenseless.
Leanne Daniels (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 09:59
That should warrant a lufetime ban from ALL National Parks.
Teena Bridges (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:14
This is a real let down for those who had the preconceived notion that motorcyclists have crossed over the barrier of being called "bad ones". For those of us who live just outside the Park border, protecting what we live by and live on is paramount. To the cyclists that did this I ask, "would you mind if I just hopped on your bike to take a spin? Moreover take your bike for a ride to where you live, walk around, play on or prance on your food?

Next time, "TAKE A HIKE" instead!
Graciously,
Teena
Nalani Hall (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:29
Damn fools; not only could they been gored and killed there motorcycle could sparked a grass fire! I feel motorcyclists need be banned anyway, it stresses out the wildlife!
Melissa Hensley (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 11:11
They should have a finger pointed at them. They show total disregard for anything. It doesn't take a genius to see they're clearly harassing the wildlife and driving off the road on bikes. Idiots! Call it like it is!
Subjectivity Please (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 11:35
Umm, no the bison was not abused. Maybe annoyed but not abused.

I do not agree with motorcycles off road in Yellowstone. I would support the idea of litigation for harassment of wildlife.

I have herded cows, horses, pigs, and Buffalo with a motorcycle on the ranch. It does not harm them. Buffalo are a big animal which freely walks and runs. Or will defend themselves. After you have worked with these animals, they give warning before aggressive behavior. You just need to know the que.

Please be a subjective person when writing, this is not abuse.
Lori (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 11:51
Hold them accountable or other inconsiderate punks are going think it is ok!! You have a license plate number, USE IT!!! That was absolutely uncalled for and pure disrespect!!! Make them give up the bikes!!
Patricia (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 12:11
I don't believe any type of vehicle is allowed to drive on any national park land, unless it is a park vehicle. They should be arrested and fined for that and harassing the bison!
D Encinias (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 12:16
Not only are they harassing the animals did anyone notice the guy on a bicycle or people standing outside their cars. How do yo think they would fare if the bison stampeded. Also motorcycles hot exhaust pipes in dry grass. Firestarter. Those kids need to be made accountable.
Koren (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 14:04
It's too bad one of those mommas didn't catch up to them and give them a good knock on the ass!! What gives them the right to chase these beautiful animals and scare them? I completely disagree with what the they said about them being good kids. Good kids don't do things like this!!!! They need to know that what they did was animal abuse and I really hope their parents make sure they never do anything like that again. If you don't like what I have said I'm sorry this is my opinion and how I strongly feel.
Kim Hover (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 19:22
Along with everyone else, I agree. Point fingers! I hope charges are pending, and Lois of park privileges for X amount of years. This has to stop. So tired of people only thinking of themselves. We are protectors and stewards of these wild animals. People need to know this won't be tolerated.
Trek N See (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 20:32
What? You complain about their idiotic behavior then make excuses for them. That’s nuts. Can’t have it both ways. If they are old enough to have drivers licenses which means they agree and understand rules, their old enough to follow Park safety rules. How are they or anyone going to learn if there isn’t any consequences?
Marc (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 17:14
At least take away their participation awards LOL:
Your comment will not appear until we have reviewed and approved it.