Photos show 11 times tourists misbehaved at US national parks this summer

On May 31, Yellow Stone National Park shared a news release from the US Department of Justice in Wyoming after an incident one week earlier at the park.

A Hawaii man lifted a struggling newborn bison calf out of the Lamar River after it separated from its mother when the herd crossed the river, according to the release.

"Visitors later observed the calf walk up to and follow cars and people," the news release said. "Park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the calf with the herd, but their efforts were unsuccessful."

The release added that the bison calf was euthanized as a result.

"The calf was later euthanized by park staff because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway," it read.

Per the release, the unidentified man pleaded guilty to one count of "feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife."

Yellowstone National Park shared a news release in June addressing incidents in the park the previous month.

According to the release, on May 28, a vehicle on US Highway 191 struck and killed an adult black bear in the northwestern area of the park. A second adult black bear was hit and died at a different section of US Highway 191 that same night, according to the release.

The statement added that an elk and a bison were also struck by vehicles around that time.

"Visitors are reminded to travel at 55 mph or less on US 191. In general, the legal speed on park roads is 45 mph or less," the statement read. "Use extra caution at night. Animal fur absorbs light, making them very difficult to see on roads at night, even while using bright headlights."

In another event that month at Yellowstone National Park, visitors placed a baby elk in their vehicle and brought the animal to the police department in West Yellowstone, Montana.

"The elk later ran off into the forest and its condition is unknown," the news release from the park said. "This incident is under investigation and there is no additional information to share."

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming shared details in a news release on June 8.

According to officials, two people were seen approaching and touching a bison calf near Elk Ranch Flats earlier that week. Officials said the incident was under investigation.

"Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring," the statement read. "In this case, fortunately, the calf was successfully reunited with its herd, but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal. Approaching wildlife can drastically affect their well-being and survival."

The National Park Service said in a July 3 news release that they were seeking tips from the public to help identify potential suspects in a non-animal-related incident on June 28.

"Unknown persons attempted to gain entry into the San Jose Church, causing damage to the historic structure. Those responsible also damaged the church's historic and culturally significant Rose Window," the statement read.

The US Attorney's Office, District of Wyoming, said in a news release that the alleged incident involved a man from Michigan.

Per the release, the man was arraigned in federal court on August 23 while facing criminal charges for "off-trail travel in a Yellowstone National Park thermal area and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree he was a danger to himself or others."

The news release said he sustained thermal burns, and District Attorney spokesperson Lori Hogan told CNN that the man suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his foot.

Per the news release, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges but is banned from Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park until the criminal charges are resolved.