Wyoming Highway Patrol Official Investigated by Yellowstone

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A high-ranking official with the Wyoming Highway Patrol is under investigation for posing for a photo near a bison at Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park officials are investigating Highway Patrol Major Keith Groeneweg after he posted a photo on Facebook that looks like he is violating park rules that people must stay at least 25 yards from wildlife.

In the photo Groeneweg can be seen near a bison. The caption of the photo says he is trying to "hug a buffalo."

Groeneweg says he was observing the rule and that the photo appears closer than he actually was.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller says Groeneweg has been forthcoming about the Yellowstone investigation and that he is cooperating with the park.