The National Park Service just issued a cheeky reminder for tourists not to take selfies with wildlife:
“Ah, spring! Temperatures are warming, the birds are chirping, and large wildlife will soon be unwilling participants in your unflattering selfies.” -National Park Service
National Park Service wildlife safety regulations have remained largely unchanged in decades but what has changed is the wide spread adoption of smart phones equipped with impressive camera capabilities and the advent of social media. The combination of these two factors has led to a pervasive issue of National Park visitors disregarding park policies and getting dangerously close to wild unpredictable animals.
“When we get too close to wildlife, they might feel threatened and act in self-defense, especially if they have young nearby. Also, during mating season, many male animals, particularly ungulates like elk or bison, become territorial and may see you as a threat. That’s why each park requires visitors to stay a certain distance away from animals, usually 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from large wildlife like bears or wolves. Remember, it’s your responsibility to maintain that distance. If wildlife approaches you, then you need to move back.”
Remember folks, you don’t want to make national news like this woman who went viral for snapping selfies with bison at Yellowstone National Park. If you see wildlife in a National Park and want get a photo, remember the NPS mantra “Use Your Zoom And Give Them Room.” Do not feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE STATEMENT:
Ah, spring! Temperatures are warming, the birds are chirping, and large wildlife will soon be unwilling participants in your unflattering selfies.
Now we know those who follow us here are not the misbehaving type. We see you as our amazing park ambassadors who can help share out these important reminders to those that may need a friendly nudge (much nicer than being launched into air by a high- capacity assault cow).
First up, Leave It As You Found It: Don’t take rocks, plants, or other objects—No carving initials into trees or rocks either. Your handwriting is terrible, why prove it publicly?
Pack it in, Pack it Out: Pack out all garbage and anything else you bring into a park. It protects wildlife and keeps parks clean. Nuff said.
Pspspspsps responsibly: Don’t pet the fluffy cows or really fluffy anything. Please don’t feed them either or add them to your local carpool. Thanks.
Finally, Respect Others: Give people space, don’t crowd viewpoints, and just be polite. It’s a shared space; let’s all be nice.
-National Park Service