Rocky Mountain National Park Makes Example of Moose Selfie Idiot

By Francis Xavier | May 16, 2023 12:12 pm ET

As the weather warms and tourists from around the world start their annual migration to our beloved national parks its a great time to remember this impactful message from Rocky Mountain National Park’s socials that made an example of a visitor who posed for selfie next to moose. RMNP asked you take this simple multiple choice question quiz to test your knowledge on why this selfie taker behavior was reckless and wrong. Lets see if you get it right:

What is wrong with this picture taken in Rocky Mountain National Park?

A: the park visitor has illegally approached wildlife

B: the park visitor is in a closed meadow – a meadow that is closed this time of year to protect wildlife!

C: the young bull moose is demonstrating his concern by laying his ears back

D: the park visitor has his back to the moose while taking a selfie – moose are faster than they look

E: all of the above

All wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park are wild animals and they should be given respect and space to be … wild. If an animal is reacting to you, you are too close. For moose and bears, keep back at least 120 feet or 36 meters. That’s more than two school bus lengths.

Don’t ask how close you can get, ask how far you should stay back. Learn more safe wildlife viewing tips HERE.

CORRECT ANSWER: E (ALL OF THE ABOVE)

If you’re planning a trip to a National Park please follow all safety guidelines and member that a long-distance relationship with wildlife is best. Stay on trails, roads or other hard surfaces. Do not approach wildlife. Instead, remember to pack your binoculars and/or a good telephoto lens.

When viewing bighorn sheep, elk, and deer, keep back at least 75 feet (23m). This is the length of two school buses. Moose and black bears need more space – keep back at least 120 feet (36m). All wildlife, including all small furry ones and ones that fly, need plenty of space. If they are reacting to us, then we are too close. It is illegal to feed, approach, or harass wildlife.

Don’t ask how close you can get, ask how far you should stay back.