There’s a handy saying when it comes to giving wildlife in our National Parks proper space when snapping photographs and taking videos: “give them room, use your zoom.” The NPS advises visitors to let their camera’s magnification features put them closer to the animals they are trying to capture rather than their feet. The safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.
When a group of tourists spotted a roadside grizzly bear at Yellowstone National Park, they couldn’t help themselves but to push the limits of safe wildlife photography. After being told to back up and return to the road by park ranger, multiple visitors actively ignored the instructions and ventured to the tree line to get pictures.
This grizzly was approximately 75 to 100 yards off the road which is right at the cusp of Yellowstone’s guidelines for safe viewing distance of 100 yards. Its commonsense to error towards extra distance when in the presence of an apex predator but time and time again people lose their sense of self preservation in the hopes of getting the perfect picture.
Remember, always remain 100 yards away from bears unless you’re shooting from the safety of a car and always follow the instructions of park rangers in any situation, they are highly trained to keep both you and the subject of your photos safe.
Yellowstone National Park Photography Guidelines:
People travel from around the world to take pictures in Yellowstone. Where else can you witness the birth of a bison calf, see a grizzly bear steal a kill from a wolf, or watch the sun set behind an erupting geyser?
And we need your help to preserve these experiences.
While you’re in the park, protect the things you come to enjoy, as well as yourself and other photographers, by following these simple rules:
Zoom with your lens, not with your feet.
Never approach or pursue animals to take their picture. Wild animals can become aggressive without warning, carry infectious diseases, and may be killed if they attack someone. Always remain 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from everything else – unless you’re shooting from the safety of a car. Zoom lenses with focal lengths up to 300 or 400mm offer a great combination of portability and reach.
Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas.
Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature, and boiling water often lies just below ground throughout geyser basins. Don’t risk your life for a photograph by underestimating the danger in these areas. Tripod legs must remain on boardwalks, and make sure you leave leave enough room for others to pass safely.
Park in roadside pullouts.
Don’t block traffic to take pictures. Keep roads clear and stay with your vehicle if you encounter heavy traffic. Don’t drive or park on roadside vegetation.
Carry bear spray.
All of Yellowstone is bear habitat: from the deepest backcountry to the boardwalks around Old Faithful. Learn how to use this non-lethal deterrent and read about other best practices for traveling safely in bear country.
