Suspected bison harasser arrested

National Park rangers arrested a suspect in connection with taunting a bison—an act that was captured in a video that went viral last week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqqgeZzSBPY

Raymond Reinke, 55, of Pendleton, Oregon, is thought to have flexed his muscles and antagonized the wild animal in Yellowstone National Park while he was out on bond on unruly behavior charges, according to a news release from the National Park Service.

“We appreciate the collaboration of our fellow rangers in Glacier and Grand Teton national parks on this arrest,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Went. “Harassing wildlife is illegal in any national park.”

Reinke was on law enforcement’s radar because he was first arrested July 28 on suspicion of drunk driving and disorderly conduct at Grand Teton National Park. He spent the night in the Teton County Jail and was released on bond the next day.

On July 31, he was stopped again in Yellowstone National Park on suspicion of a traffic violation. Rangers said he appeared to be intoxicated and argumentative, and cited him as a passenger for failing to wear a seat belt, according to the news release.

After that, Reinke encountered the bison, rangers believe.

Visitors stopped in traffic to let a bison cross the road called rangers with concerns about a man harassing the animal, and rangers later that evening issued Reinke a citation requiring a court appearance.

But on Aug. 2, the assistant U.S. attorney requested Reinke’s existing bond be revoked due to his extensive history and the egregious nature of the wildlife allegation, the news release said.

Glacier National Park rangers found Reinke at a hotel in the Montana park, arrested him, and booked him in Yellowstone jail.