YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – Yellowstone National Park seems to be a hot spot for bad tourists. Whether it’s because people think it’s the amusement park of nature or they just don’t think the rules should apply to them, we may never know. We do know that plenty of people do dumb things while visiting, and they’re often plastered on the internet for the world to see.
So both to keep tourists safe and to help them avoid internet ridicule, the National Park Conservation Association put together a helpful video. Remember, these aren’t just suggestions. These are rules. Follow them closely if you hope to stay off the internet after visiting Yellowstone.
NPCA Tips to Stay Safe in Yellowstone National Park:
1. A Fed Bear Is A Dead Bear
When bears have access to human food, whether it’s from someone actively feeding the animal or someone leaving attractants in an area that they can easily access, bears can loose their natural fear of humans leading to an increase risk of human-bear incidents. These animals can’t just be relocated and they can’t be retrained, so when “problem bears” become an issue, rangers are often forced to euthanize them. Never feed bears, and make sure you store all food, trash, and other attractants in a proper manner. Make sure you know the regulations of the park you’re visiting.
2. Don’t Put A Bison In Your Car
In 2016, a father son duo put a bison calf in their car, believing the animal was cold and lost. It was neither cold nor lost, and the animal had to be put down because of their actions. Never approach or touch wildlife. If you see an animal that you truly believe is in need of help in a National Park, feel free to contact a wildlife officer. But really, leave the animal alone. It is illegal.
3. Invest In A Zoom Lens
All animals in Yellowstone National Park, just like wild animals anywhere, need to be given space. For most animals in the park (bison, elk, etc.) this means at least 25 yards, or 75 feet. For reference, that’s about the length of two school buses. For bears and wolves, that distance needs to be extended to 100 yards, or 300 feet. That’s about the length of eight school buses. Approaching too close can endanger both you and the animal. Take your pictures with a zoom lens, and stay back!
4. Give Wildlife A Break
The most common cause of injury and death in Yellowstone National Park is traffic-related incidents. Keep your eye on the road, not the scenery, and follow all posted speed limits inside the park (45mph unless otherwise posted). Keep an eye out for wildlife! If you need to stop while driving, use a pullout and completely get off the road. Do not block traffic!