Bison calf euthanized after Yellowstone tourists thought they were saving it from the cold

A bison calf at Yellowstone National Park was euthanized after foreign tourists thought it was cold and put it in their SUV.

The calf was released but was ultimately rejected by the herd, and was euthanized after being "abandoned and causing a dangerous situation by continually approaching people and cars along the roadway," the National Park Service said in a statement Monday. Witnesses said that last week, a father and son told a park ranger they captured the bison and put it in their SUV because it appeared to be cold, NBC News reports. They were later ticketed.

Visitors to Yellowstone must stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk, and deer, and 360 feet away from bears and wolves. The National Park Service is using this sad incident to remind people that these are wild animals, and are very protective of their young. "Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival," the service said.

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