safari encounters near me

Safari Tours

Take a Tour of a Wildlife Safari Zoo in Central Pennsylvania

Guided safari tours in central pennsylvania.

The dry plains of Africa and the woodlands and forests of Australia have never felt closer thanks to the incredible safari tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Like our other amazing attractions , the safari allows you and your family to see first-hand the various animals native to those lands and learn about their natural habitats. Discover more about our animal safari in Central Pennsylvania and all you can expect to see on your journey.

Guided Safari offered May thru October.

Self Drive-Thru Safari Available Only in April and November

Guests who wish to enjoy our safari tour from the comfort of their vehicles can do so with our self drive-thru option. VEHICLES WITH HARD DOORS AND HARD TOP ROOFS ONLY. Those interested in this experience should first read the Self Drive-Thru Rules to ensure their safety and the wellbeing of our animals. You will be required to sign a vehicle waiver prior to entering the safari fields.   

SELF DRIVE-THRU RULES AND INFORMATION PER USDA:

All vehicles MUST have hard tops and doors. Sunroofs and trunks must be closed-USDA requirement (Mesh doors on jeeps are not permitted).

Strict 5 mph speed limit (USDA requirement for animal safety).

You MUST remain in your vehicle during the entirety of the tour.

Pets are not permitted in vehicles.

No riding in the bed of pickup trucks.

No motorcycles, motor homes, buses, or trailers are permitted.

Touching animals is not encouraged.

Feeding animals is prohibited.

LOUD NOISES --honking horns, music and yelling--are not permitted.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The drive-thru trail is an unpaved dirt trail with loose stones, possible animal dung, and occasional mud puddles.

Some animals may not be visible on every drive-thru.

No refunds will be given for any reason after entering the safari fields.

ZOO EXHIBITS ARE NOT AVAILABLE  during the weekends of the self drive-thru.

Admission for the self drive-thru will be $9/person ages 3 through adult.

The Self Drive-Thru Safari pre-season/post-season option is available on select weekends only in April and November

from 10:00 a.m.  to 3:00 p.m.  

Please note: Only the Safari Tour Fields are open for the Self Drive-Thru option. Zoo exhibits are open during our regular season May 1st through October .

Adventure Awaits at Our Wildlife Safari Zoo

Say Hello to Our Animals

One of the best parts about our safari zoo in Pennsylvania is all the different animals you may see. More than 500 animals roam the safari fields freely at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. You may meet curious critters that are just as interested in you as you are in them — it is common for animals to approach the tour bus and get close enough for guests to reach out and touch them. Interacting with these animals is sure to be an unforgettable and highly beneficial experience for your party.

Our New Safari Station

Dedicated to providing our guests with the best possible experience, we are happy to introduce our safari station. Built and launched in 2015, the safari station includes the following:

• A comfortable holding area large enough to fit guests as they wait for their turn to hop aboard the cruiser
• A snack shop where you can grab a drink, some food for the ride, and even feed to give the animals while on the tour
• Well-maintained restrooms for your convenience

Things to Keep in Mind for Your Next Safari Tour

To help guests get the most out of their animal safari in Pennsylvania, we encourage all to be mindful of when the tours begin. Rides go out right when the park opens, and guests are welcome to come early to avoid crowds or waiting in long lines. Our tours last around 45 minutes, providing plenty of time to take in the entire tour without tiring out the youngest in your group. The last tour departs our Safari Station one hour before closing.

Please be advised that we do not accept reservations for our tours as they are offered on a first come, first serve basis. However, even if you miss your preferred time, another is coming up shortly!

Plan Your Visit Today to Our Safari in Pennsylvania

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park welcomes guests from Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas to enjoy a first-hand experience with animals from six continents. Our safari tour allows visitors to witness a variety of majestic animals and gain insight into their way of life. Contact us today to learn more about our Pennsylvania safari tours and rates , or to view our park hours .

Safari Times

• Safari tours begin when the park opens.
• Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
• Last tour goes out one hour before closing.
• Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and depart multiple times per day.

Attractions

Zoo Exhibits

Petting Zoo

Reptiles & Exotics

Baby Animal Program

J.R. Tobias Museum & Education Center

Catch & Release Fishing

Dining & Food

New Giraffe Exhibit

Visitor information.

Directions/Parking

Handicapped/Accessibility

Table Reservations

Groups & Parties

Accommodations

About/History

Educational Outreach

ZooVenture Summer Camp

Affiliations

Site Map |  Employees

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Russia Safaris

Russia is an incomparably vast and varied destination, offering unique wildlife experiences for the more adventurous traveller. Covering over ten per cent of the world’s land area and encompassing nine different time zones, Russia stretches from the Caucasus Mountains in the west to the Bering Strait in the east. Most of the population is concentrated in the populous western cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, with the majority of the Russian landscape characterized by extensive, untamed wilderness, rugged mountains and frigid tundra.

Our safaris focus on the Russian Far East, a particularly biodiverse area, with carnivores including the Eurasian lynx, Siberian tiger and Amur leopard prowling the Siberian forests on the hunt for red deer and wild boar, while Asian black bears can occasionally be spotted lounging in the trees above. Spawning salmon thrive in the volcanic ash enriched waterways of the Kamchatka Peninsula, attracting predators such as sea otters, sea eagles and Kamchatka brown bears. Further north lies the remote Wrangel Island, the little known polar bear capital of the world.

Join one of our small group expeditions to Kamchatka, traversing rugged volcanic terrain or exploring the coastlines by expedition ship, or join conservationist Alexander Batalov as he tracks tigers through the Siberian wilderness. Wild and untamed, a safari to Far East Russia is a safari to one of the world’s last remaining unexplored frontiers.

Why NWS for your Russia Safari?

We originally started back in 2005 as World Big Cat Safaris and World Bear Safaris. Our CEO and Founder, Will Bolsover, spent many years in Siberia and Kamchtaka, tracking elusive Siberian tigers and spending time with grizzly bears. across the world tracking and guiding primates. Since then, we have gained years of valuable experience designing itineraries that put you in the right place, at the right time for the ultimate Russian wildlife safaris. We are the only company to have put clients in front of the world’s largest big cat, the Siberian tiger.

Our safaris concentrate on the Russian Far East, and we were among the first to send travellers to this remote and seldom visited region. Working with conservationist Alexander Batalov, track rare Siberian tigers in the forests of Durminskoye Reserve, and contribute to vital research into the protection of the world’s largest big cat. Intrepid travellers can also journey to the Kamchatka Peninsula, a barely accessible ‘land of fire and ice’ renowned for its active volcanoes and freezing winters, and an untouched haven for wildlife such as the Kamchatkan brown bear.

How much does Russia cost?

Typically, expect to budget around £13000 per person for a 17-day safari in Russia. This will generally include airport transfers, food and accommodation on a luxurious cruise ship. For a shorter 12-day experience staying at three camps, expect to budget £9500 per person. Journeying through Russia’s landscapes, you will enjoy helicopter rides and marine exploration to Russia Bay to spot sea life and birds.

Siberian Tiger Camera Trap Safari

Embark on a safari with a difference and venture deep into the remote Durminskoye Reserve in Russia’s Far East, home to the endangered Siberian tiger. Alongside conservationist Alexander Batalov, you’ll track the big cats and set camera traps on a unique adventure that truly puts you on the front line of wildlife conservation.

Kamchatka Brown Bear Safari

Push the boundaries on this frontier small group journey to Kamchatka located in Russia’s Far East. The peninsula contains less than 200 miles of paved road in an area larger than Great Britain, which is just one indication of how truly wild and remote this region is.

Contact an Asia Destination Specialist

Russia highlights.

Russia is an incomparably vast and varied destination, offering unique wildlife experiences for the more adventurous traveller. Just journeying to Kamchatka is an adventure in itself due to its location, terrain and limited transport links. Our small group specialist led photography trips are the best way to explore Kamchatka and capture images of the brown bears. Similarly our expedition ships allow for an adventurous exploration of Kamchatka's coastline.

You may wish to include the following in your Russia itinerary:

• Siberian Tigers - Explore the last remaining habitat of wild Siberian tigers.
• Kamchatka Peninsula - Discover the volcanoes and wildlife of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the 'land of fire and ice'.
• Durminskoye Reserve - Join conservationist Alexander Batalov in the Durminskoye Reserve, setting and retrieving camera traps to collect important data on the region's tigers.
• Frontier Travel - Venture through wild and untamed environments of Far East Russia, one of the world's last unexplored frontiers.
• Watch Brown Bears - Observe beautiful brown bears in outstanding the outstanding scenery of Kamchatka

Where to stay?

Russia contains many excellent accommodations, from large modern hotels set in bustling cities to totally remote and rustic lodges that allow you to get into the heart of the Siberian wilderness. Although organised campsites are rare, outdoor camping is allowed, making for an incredible wilderness experience. Read more on where to stay.

When to go?

Despite Russia’s immense size, most of the country experiences just two distinct seasons – winter and summer – which ensures that timing your trip to Russia is relatively straightforward. To spot the brown bears of Kamchatka, the best time to visit is July when large numbers can be observed on the river catching salmon. For other wildlife safaris in Russia, the summer season, between June and August, is ideal to experience the variety of landscapes within the country. Read more about when to go to Russia.

Russia Wildlife

A guide to wildlife encounters in russia.

Where to stay in Russia

Where to go in Russia

Russia Stories & Inspiration

Land of the Leopard National Park

In the extreme southeast of the country, Russia has established a 650,000-acre national park to protect what is regarded as the world’s rarest cat, the Amur leopard.

Kamchatka Peninsula

Situated as far east as one can travel in the Far East, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula is a vast area of remote wilderness prime for adventure.

What to expect from a trip to Russia

Secrets of the Green Season

Big cats playgrounds, elephants and their kingdom, nature's amazing spectacles, great apes in their habitats, stunning sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises.

Why with us?

Wild Encounter Safaris’ mission is to show you African wildlife in unspoiled habitats, as you’ve seen it on NatGeo or BBC Earth films… except better, closer and wilder. This is the uncut, raw version where you are a spectator in the most magnificent, 360° auditorium of African wilderness. A trip with us will leave you awestruck and hungry for more; regardless whether you’re an avid photographer or a first-time visitor, you’re guaranteed to experience wilderness from a slightly different angle to others.

Experience of a Lifetime

Small groups immersing themselves amongst the African wildlife, getting to know the animals’ habits, behaviours and experiencing their daily lives.

Discreet luxury

Relaxing after every activity in the comfort of first-class accommodations, enjoying a refreshing drink and exchanging impressions with fellow safari mates.

Hassle-free formula

Carefully arranged, inclusive itineraries with dedicated support from time of inquiry to being on hand with any questions whilst on the trip.

Incredible Journey to Africa

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its unique and unspoiled habitats, and incredible wildlife.

Tanzania is the ‘type’ destination for African safaris, with its diverse habitats and some of the most iconic places on the continent

Uganda, a country in east Africa, also known as ‘the Pearl of Africa’ has one of the most diverse habitats.

A landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its diverse wildlife, unforgettable walking safaris, dramatic landscapes and the Victoria Falls on the border with Zambia.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Wild Encounter Safaris was born from the passion and deep appreciation for wildlife of one person, and your tour leader, Artur Stankiewicz.  The key to his safaris is bringing everyone in front of amazing animal activities and situations. His goal is to spark the light of passion for African wildlife in everyone, deliver unforgettable memories and garner support for conservation of these exquisite habitats.

Upcoming Safaris

Magic of Okavango and Linyanti

Hwange and Mana Pools – iconic habitats of Zimbabwe

Okavango Extravaganza

Mana Pools special – iconic habitat of Zimbabwe

Share your emotions with us, social media.

Our mission is to show you African wildlife in unspoiled habitats, from a different angle to others!

59-900 Zgorzelec Jerzmanki 10 Poland

+48 519 545 065 [email protected] www.arturstankiewicz.com

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Monday-Sunday

Last tour one hour before closing time

865-919-5072

Please call if you need more information.

Buy tickets

Wagon rides are available by appointment only

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents.

Visit Today

Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car.

Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.

See our gallery

See photos of some of the animals in the park.

Inside the gallery are some of the animals you will encounter when you visit the park.

The Park is OPEN 9AM-5PM Mon-Sun (Weather Permitting) Please call 865-919-5072 if you need more information.

Safari Pearl is your source on the Palouse for comics, games, costumes, and theatrical make-up. Our selection of comics and graphic novels offer captivating stories for every taste, age, and reading level. We also have a great selection of board games, card games, role-playing games, 40K, and Age of Sigmar. Games are a great entertainment value, they bring people together, and they build brain power. Feel free to try a game or join an event in our store game room. Safari Pearl is also your local, year-round source for costumes, cosplay, and stage make-up. We can supply everything you need for your theatrical production, we'll happily help you plan a theme party, and we love Halloween...

Shop Our Web Store - Browse Our Pokemon And Magic Singles

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Safari Pearl 660 W Pullman Rd Moscow, ID 83843 Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm 208-882-9499 - [email protected] Map it!

CHOOSE YOUR EDVENTURE!

Guided safari tours – $25, vip tours (adults only)- $200, vip tours (kids & adults) – $200, walk through guided safari tours, reserve now – space will be limited.

(561) 350-6948

Tours fill up quickly! We highly recommend booking a few days in advance. We can’t wait to see you here!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Walking guided safari tours.

Enjoy a 1 hour guided walking tour of our private farm on Thursdays through Sundays! You will meet, learn about and take pictures with our amazing animals! 

Tours include   Sloth & Kangaroo Encounters ! Dont Miss Out! Included feed for Llamas, Alpacas, Goats, Sheep, Donkeys, Cows!  All Encounters Include Petting & Pics

EXTRAS! ANIMAL HOLDINGS*   

• Sloth Holding $75 (Includes Encounter) • Kangaroo Kuddles $15 *Please add holdings when booking your reservation. Space is limited.  

Located in Boynton Beach, Florida at our PRIVATE property. To book our Behind The Scenes VIP TOUR $200 per person or for more info text 561-350-6948

$25 Per Person Under 2, Free

Tours are by reservation only and may be booked Thursdays, Fridays,   Saturdays, and Sundays (and some school closure days)

BOOK NOW on this link!  

Capybara Farm Animals & More!

TOURS ARE BY RESERVATION ONLY DO NOT show up without a reservation.

Location For Guided Safari Tours 8545 US HWY 441 Boynton Beach

This Event is being Held At Our Private Property in Boynton. Not at OUR Animal Park At Bedners. Our Animal Park / Petting Zoo at Bedners Is open every Sat & Sun all yr long

No Refunds- Credit to Visit again or rain checks due to poor weather

Cancelation Policy – Reschedule up to 24 hours before time. If emergency we work with you as long as you communicate with us.  

IF NO SHOW & NO TEXT NO RESCHEDULE OR CREDIT

ANIMALS you will meet

Kangaroos camel zebra otters horses tortoise lemur deer racoon porcupine fox capybara farm animals & more.

Absolutely INCREDIBLE Tour!! So thankful to the entire family for everything they do for their animals and sharing such a wonderful experience with us! Tour was fun, interactive and educational. Thank you to the entire family for doing this.

– Samantha –

Great tour! The team was very knowledgeable about the animals. The animals looked like they were a part of the family. The animal responded really well to all who handled them. The family's love for animals truly shows. Thanks for opening your farm to us!

– Robin –

Fantastic drive through tour. Great way to improvise and maintain social distancing. Thank you for putting a smile on my son’s face during these times of uncertainty. Highly recommended this place.

– Ingrid –

I had a great experience here!! Very accommodating and very educational. Detailed information of each animal on display. They take all precautions to keep you safe during this time, by staying in your car and driving through.

– Susan –

Get In Touch

If you have any questions please text us at (561) 350-6948

*Data and messaging rates may apply.

Animal EDventure Park and Safari has 2 locations in Boynton Beach, Florida. We are a small family run business that rescues and adopts the majority of our animals. Learn More

Do you want EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to our animal encounters like Otter swims, Sloth holdings, or Lemur holdings? The only way to get invited to these awesome encounters is by joining our VIP Club!

Continue To Animal Edventure Home Page

Wildlife Parks & Zoos

Not all of Idaho’s wildlife exists in the deep woods. Many bird and animal species can be seen in Idaho’s zoos, and in wildlife parks, preserves and management areas. The fastest animal in the world, the Peregrine Falcon, can be seen at the World Center for Birds of Prey, along with raptors from around the globe. See grizzlies and black bears up close at Yellowstone Bear World and experience another side of Idaho’s wildlife.

Featured Travel Tips

Let the Kids Explore: History and Adventure Around Boise

Did you know.

Get an up-close view of free-roaming wildlife at Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park.

Zoo Boise is home to over 300 animals from 100 various species.

The Aquarium of Boise houses over 35,000 gallons of saltwater and over 250 species of animals and marine life.

The Wolf Education & Research Center of Winchester, Idaho started in 1996 caring for the wolves of the Nez Perce aka the Sawtooth Pack.

Featured Adventures

The Wolf Education and Research Center

Yellowstone Bear World

Aquarium of Boise

Reserve your Wildlife Encounter!

All tours & encounters require reservations!

Looking for a guided safari getaway?

Visit southland safari in clarksburg, tn..

Experience the wonders of the wild right here in Clarksburg, TN, conveniently located halfway between Memphis and Nashville, just seven miles from I-40. At Southland Safari, we’re dedicated to providing you with the experience of a lifetime.

Book your next destination with us! Choose from:

• Luxurious Cabin Getaways : Escape to one of our cozy cabins and immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern comforts.
• Guided Safari Tours : Hop aboard our safari truck or jeep for an educational and thrilling journey through our safari grounds. Encounter animals from Africa, Asia, and Australia while learning from our knowledgeable guides.
• Up-Close Encounters : Get up close and personal with our exotic animals including kangaroos, sloths, giraffes, and fennec foxes.

Let us help plan your adventure! Choose “book now” to view all packages or give us a call! We require reservations!

We are a 144 acre interactive animal and adventure park located in beautiful Grove City, PA, less than two miles off I-79. Guests of all ages will be delighted to visit our park and enjoy a unique experience.

Upcoming Events!

Princess meet and greet superhero meet and greet fire fighters and firetruck policemen and cop car crown/wand/mask coloring bippity boppity boutique.

Zulu Safari Lodging Adults Only

Kilimanjaro Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Pets Prohibited

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ only | 2 guests | No pets

• The Kilimanjaro suite offers a luscious, exotic palette of color throughout. Delicately carved African masks adorn the cabin as well as the art of Lisa and D. Arthur Wilson. The large, rustic entertainment unit is home to familiar games and books as well as Scott Smith’s charming photos of some of the residents at TCWR! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18-years old.
• The Refuge is a nonprofit organization and the cost of your stay goes toward the care of our animal residents.

Congo Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Congo Suite offers a beautiful reminder of Africa. The color scheme is tan with pops of color in the art that D. Wilson and Lisa Wilson placed throughout. With the rolling hills of Ozarks surrounding the Congo, you will get the full “Africa in the Ozarks” experience! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Okavango Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Ramp-Accessible (not ADA)

• The Okavango suite is artistically styled with a beautiful blue hue and aluminum colors providing you with a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. Meerkats are waiting to greet you in D. Arthur Wilson’s “No Meer Family” giclee print. The spacious bathroom offers a shower large enough for two people. A shower seat is available if needed. Also available if needed are the toilet safety frame and rails in the shower. Both decks are charming with the back deck boasting lovely views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunsets.

Serengeti Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Sunset motifs

• The Serengeti suite is designed in a purple and red combination delivering the colors of our breathtaking Ozark sunsets. This suite’s artwork by D. Arthur and Lisa Wilson might have you believe you are actually in Africa! The presentation of Lisa’s Mixed Media original art, Passion 2 and Passion 4, hangs over the Queen size bed. The Serengeti suite has many giclee prints like along with a beautiful male lion print over the love seat. Wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes fill this room along with fantastic photographs taken by Scott Smith, our TCWR resident photographer. The private deck of this suite boasts both views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Kalahari Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Kalahari suite is a cozy escape with an exotic theme of bamboo and jewel tones throughout. The artistic bamboo headboard above the Queen bed is complemented by original abstract art from Lisa Wilson and D. Arthur Wilson’s Wild Expressionism limited editions. As you relax on either the front or back decks, the gentle caroling of the big cats is music to your ears!
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18 and is open from March until November.

Safari Encounters 

Awareness. conservation. education..

Contact: 405-543-7351 

Safari Encounters is an educational outreach program with our core values of  Awareness. Conservation. Education.   We provide a number of services from educational programs, special encounters, weddings, and everything in-between! The costs of our programs go directly back into our animals including those that are rescues & behind the scenes.

We are located in Sonoma County, CA. Our availability and programs are ever changing. Please contact us for the latest information. 

Safari Encounters aims to inspire and educate our students / guest  on the conservation of our animals and their ecosystems. Since our team has over 20 years combined, we can guarantee that all animals at Safari Encounters have a significant place in

every educational program and you will have experienced educators at every program. 

 We have  AWESOME volunteers that help with programs, animal care, and any projects . We an organziation that provides the best environment for our animals and guests! We can always use your help. Old pet taxi's, blankets, donations, sponsoring animals or youth volunteers, volunteering in different departments, etc. We want you to get involved! Visit our involvement page 

Awareness . Conservation . Education .

" a . c . e . ", we are supported by our nonprofit foundation "a.c.e."  a donation to this foundation helps us keep our animals healthy and happy we are currently looking for 5-10 acres in sonoma county to permanently move our animals to and open our doors to the public this facility will allow us to incorporate some of our rescue animals into our mission of conservation through education and allow you to visit us. our animal ambassadors have a forever home once placed with us, even if they are retired from any educational programs. this is why our interest in an interactive park is so great so these animals can be part of our mission from the coomfort of their own habitat. our dream is to inspire others and get them interested in their potential role in the world around them. we all want to leave our world a better place & we hope you choose to help us with our goal to do that .

Watch CBS News

Scottie Scheffler arrested for allegedly assaulting officer near fatal crash while on way to PGA Championship

Updated on: May 17, 2024 / 8:45 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler  was arrested by police in Louisville on Friday morning on his way to the PGA Championship, with stunning images showing him handcuffed as he was led to a police car and charged with assaulting an officer after allegedly attempting to drive around traffic backed up from a pedestrian fatality investigation. Scheffler was released later in the morning and continued competing in the tournament.

Police said Scheffler was booked for second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic. In a statement to CBS News, Scheffler's attorney Steve Romines said the golfer "never at any point assaulted any officer with his vehicle" and added that "we will litigate this matter as needed."  

In a statement posted to Instagram , Scheffler said he was in a "very chaotic situation."

"There was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do," Scheffler said. "I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today."

Police said a pedestrian had been struck by a bus while crossing the road in a lane that was dedicated to tournament traffic. Police said the man died at the scene, CBS affiliate WLKY  reported . Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road that leads to Valhalla Golf Club, with dozens of police cars flashing red-and-blue lights near the entrance.  

Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, later started the second round shortly after 10 a.m. EDT. After finishing Friday's round, Scheffler told reporters he wouldn't discuss specific details about the incident, but he said he didn't know at the time that the accident ahead of him in traffic was fatal.

"I feel like my head's still spinning," Scheffler said. "I can't really explain what happened this morning. I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell — that was a first for me."

Scheffler expressed confidence that the charges would "get resolved, I think, fairly quickly."

Why was Scottie Scheffler arrested?

According to a police report, Scheffler was in an eastbound lane and pulled into the westbound lanes, where a uniformed detective was standing. The detective stopped Scheffler and attempted to give him instructions, but Scheffler "refused to comply and accelerated forward," according to the report.

The detective, identified as Det. Gillis, was dragged "to the ground" and suffered "pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist," according to the report.

The detective was dressed in a high visibility reflective jacket when he stopped Scheffler's car to give instructions, the arrest sheet said. Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

The Louisville Metro Police Department said that all lanes were closed during the traffic fatality investigation.

"While an officer was directing traffic, an encounter with a motorist attempting to make entry into a restricted area ultimately led to the driver being arrested," the police said in a statement. "We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. We are appreciative that all parties involved are fully cooperating."

Romines said Scheffler was driving a marked player's vehicle and proceeding as he'd been instructed.

"I think the officer that was directing traffic was maybe not part of the event traffic detail and so that's where the miscommunication arose, and that's why we're here," Romines told WLKY.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington said he watched this unfold with Scheffler driving past a police officer a little after 6 a.m. in his SUV. He said police pulled Scheffler out of the vehicle, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs.

"Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back, in handcuffs, very stunned about what was happening, looked toward me as he was in those handcuffs and said, 'Please help me,'" Darlington said. "He very clearly did not know what was happening in the situation. It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively."

Darlington said whole the incident started with a "misunderstanding with traffic flow."

With cars backed up in the morning darkness, other PGA-marked vehicles tried to move slowly toward the entrance. Traffic finally began to move slowly a little before 7 a.m.

A spokesperson for the PGA of America identified the man who was struck by the shuttle bus as John Mills. In a statement, the PGA's Greg Dillard said Mills, a worker with one of the group's vendors, was going to work when he was hit.

"This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship," the PGA said in a statement. "We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones."

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear conveyed his condolences on social media , saying, "Our hearts are broken, and we continue to pray for the victim's family."

"The events that occurred afterward are the unfortunate result of this tragic incident, and we are hopeful that all parties involved can come to a resolution," Beshear said.

Scheffler also expressed his sympathies for the man who died.

"It truly puts everything in perspective," Scheffler said on social media.

The website for the Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections briefly showed a booking photo of Scheffler before the photo was removed. According to the website, Scheffler was released at 8:40 a.m.

Did Scottie Scheffler play today?

Scheffler returned to the course at 9:12 a.m. He made his way to the practice area around 9:30 a.m. and was welcomed by fans — one shouted "free Scottie!"

Scheffler seemed like his normal, relaxed self, sharing a few laughs on the driving range. Then he went out and made a birdie on his first hole of the day after sticking his approach shot to three feet. Scheffler finished Friday's round two strokes behind leader Collin Morikawa at nine strokes under par for the tournament, CBS Sports reports .

It was a surreal start to what already has been a wild week of weather — the Masters champion and top-ranked in the world, dressed in workout clothes with his hands in cuffs behind his back amid flashing flights.

Darlington said police were not sure who he was. He said an officer asked him to leave and when he identified himself being with the media, he was told, "There's nothing you can do. He's going to jail."

Darlington said another police officer later approached with a notepad and asked if he knew the name of the person they put in handcuffs.

Scheffler is coming off four victories in his last five tournaments. He was home in Dallas for the last three weeks waiting on the birth of his first child, a son who was born on May 8.

"I feel like my head is still spinning. I can't really explain what happened this morning," Scheffler said after remarkably posting another 5-under 66 Friday that kept him in the mix for a second straight major championship. He is seeking to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.

Last month, Scheffler won his second  Masters Tournament  victory in three years, finishing 11 under and four strokes up on his closest competitors.

• Scottie Scheffler

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