07/10/2022
“I wish that I could fly
Into the sky
So very high
Just like a dragonfly”
Think it over! Also, think safety and act safely. You can help keep yourself and other visitors safe and wildlife wild by setting a good example! Remember to treat wildlife with proper caution and respect. The safety of animals, as well as your safety, depends on everyone using good judgment.
🦬 Give animals room.
The best way to stay safe around wildlife is to give animals room to move. Many parks require you to stay a minimum distance of 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves. If you’re close enough for a selfie, you’re definitely too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens and move back if wildlife approach you.
🦬 Do not disturb.
Even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can help your viewing experience—plus it’s the law. It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. Remember that wildlife in parks are wild and can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.
🦬 Be responsible.
Ultimately, staying safe and keeping wildlife wild is up to you! When you go out into a national park, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself, your family, and the wildlife safe.
Find more tips to watch wildlife safely at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/watchingwildlife/7ways.htm
📸 Illustration featuring mountains, trees, and a bison and person in close contact with the text, “Don’t pet the fluffy cows,” and “think safety, act safely.” NPS
