A group of Yellowstone tourists were caught on camera on the side of the road in the park refusing to back away from a black bear, despite being told directly to do so by two Park Rangers.
In a video shared to Tourons of Yellowstone, at least eight people were out of their vehicles with their cameras and phones in hand, gathering very close to a black bear. Park Rangers tried to move people along for their own safety, along with the animals. Despite the repeated warnings from park officials, a few people refused to budge until they had gotten enough photos.
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The incident was originally captured by next.trekking.adventure, a wildlife enthusiast and was reposted by Tourons of Yellowstone, a social media channel that highlights bad behavior in US National Parks.
We are officially into the Summer Tourist Season in Yellowstone National Park. Recently, there have been numerous incidents with visitors trying to take selfies with bison, chasing animals in animal costumes, and some even harassing elk.
The incidents have even garnished the attention of the US National Park Service who released a statement.
“Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in some cases, their survival. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, on a road, or in a developed area, leave it alone and give it space,” the NPS said.
“Park regulations require that you stay at least 25 yards (23m) away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards (91m) away from bears and wolves. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury, and even death.”
Bears try to avoid people and will typically leave an area if they know humans are coming. But bears are unpredictable. If a bear is startled, or if they feel their food, their young or themselves are threatened, they many attack.
When visiting wildlife, please remember they are wild animals who should be given space. Please view them at a safe distance in accordance to park regulations.
