Rocky Mountain National Park’s covers an expansive 415 square miles of spectacular mountain environments providing plenty of room for visitors to explore but somehow these folks managed to get into a territorial squabble that descended into a shoving match that disturbed the wildlife.
The following footage was taken yesterday inside Rocky Mountain National Park and shows a fight that broke between two tourists just as a cow moose with twins in tow was trying to cross the road. There is no explanation as to what started the fight but what is known is the one of the moose calves got spooked several times by the commotion and consequently ended up falling into as fast flowing river.
Fortunately the juvenile moose was able to escape the currents and was seen bedding down with its mother away from the brouhaha. Park rangers responded to scene and spoke with parties, there are no reports of citations issued.
While we don’t know what kicked off this disgraceful scene in one of the most beautiful places on the continent which endangered the life of juvenile moose, we can confidently say that this type of behavior is inexcusable. Emotions can run high in the presence of wildlife inside our National Parks as guests jockey for position get the best views and photos and it is important to remember to remain calm so as not to disturb the very animals you are attempting to observe. This comment on the video is eloquent in its truth:
“How sad that the wild animals have better behavior than those civilized ones.”
Learn more about proper wildlife safety etiquette at Rocky Mountain National Park below:
It can be hard to believe that a safe distance is as much about the animal’s welfare as it is about yours, but it’s true. Getting too close, feeding, and touching are all things that can put you and your furry, feathered, or scaled counterpart in grave danger. While Rocky Mountain National Park is a conscientious partner for visitors, it also remains continuously committed to the protection and preservation of nature and wildlife.
Despite their good intentions, some visitors love park animals to death. As wildlife become used to humans and lose their natural fear, the animals become aggressive and may be destroyed. Although they may appear harmless and even curious about you, wildlife do injure visitors every year. That’s partly why approaching, harassing, or feeding any kind of wildlife, no matter how small or familiar, is illegal in all national parks.
We want all visitors to create lasting memories, so be safe and remember that distance always makes the heart grow fonder.
How close is too close?
Stay at least 75 feet (23 meters) or about two bus-lengths away from all wildlife. We advise keeping at least 120 feet (36 meters) or about three bus-lengths away from black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Stay safe and never assume you are the one that can get away with a close encounter.
