Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Yellowstone Wildlife Viewing Etiquette

I will start with a disclaimer: I know we also did some "stupid" things while visiting Yellowstone. But I watched as the Yellowstone Park Rangers dealt with the crowds of people trying to view wildlife. I also watched what happened sometimes when the rangers were not around. So here is my attempt at some practical guidelines:

1. When you see wildlife you are interested in viewing, pull your car completely off the road. That means completely on the other side of the white shoulder line. The rangers will appreciate this so that thru traffic can continue on. Don't stop in the middle of the road to take your photos.

2. If you come across an animal jam where the road is completely blocked, don't honk your horn. For one thing there is a fine for doing so, for another you're going to disturb the animal. I saw this happen a couple of times. Remember that you've come to Yellowstone National Park. Many people have not seen these animals before. Allow them to enjoy the amazing wildlife. You are NOT in New York City where honking is the norm.

3. If you are watching an animal, stay near the road. The animals in Yellowstone are used to people watching them from the road. But when you start entering the meadow or forest, you are entering their turf. This may make the animals nervous or anxious. While the animals look placid as they go about grazing or foraging for their food, they can abruptly charge you.

4. Everyone wants a photo memory of the animals they saw. But chasing the animals just to get a better shot is not only hazardous, but it places unnecessary stress on the animal. What worked for me several times was to note the direction an animal was traveling. I then drove or walked to be in line with its natural path. This gave me the opportunity to get a closer shot without causing the animal to change its behavior. I made sure that I was not in front of the animal's path, rather I moved parallel with the animal's movement.

5. Whether the ranger is present or not, observe and honor the signs. While we were there, there were two areas that were marked with cones -one where the baby coyotes were close to the road and one with the bald eagle nest. These areas were marked to give the animals space to care for their young. Before the cones were up near the coyote babies, I noted that the mom would not come down because there were too many people so close to the den. The following morning there were fewer people and she did come down to feed the pups. After that her side of the road was closed. Even so, the ranger had to keep reminding people to stay on the opposite side of the road. I was also observing the eagle nest (on the proper side of the "closed" area.) The signs are clearly marked - no stopping, standing or walking. And yet, the cars started stopping in the zone that could have disturbed the parents tending the nest. And then people starting walking as well. Fortunately the ranger showed up and got the traffic moving.

6. When it is obvious that an animal (especially a bear) wants to cross the road, make sure that it has an open corridor available. I watched a grizzly create her own corridor as she charged through cars, tourists, and photographers with her cubs. She did not give any warning and there was not an open space for her to cross. But plan ahead to allow the animals to get where they need to go.

6. If you have a spotting scope, it is such a blessing when you let others see the wonders of nature. People in Yellowstone are so good about doing that.

7. Don't feed the wildlife! It is so true that a fed bear ends up a "dead" bear. Fed bears become aggressive and dangerous. But even the smaller wildlife do not fare as well once becoming dependent on humans for its food. Plus human food may not have the proper nutrition. Summer is short in Yellowstone. If an animal does not get the nutrition it needs during the summer season, it will probably not survive the winter.

8. The animals in Yellowstone are acclimated to people. For the most part, they ignore us and go about the business of finding food, caring for young, etc. However, they are wild animals in their habitat. This is NOT a zoo. We are visitors in their natural home. Both animals and humans have "boundaries" or comfort zones. When we encroach into an animal's territory, it may choose to move away. But it may also choose to defend its territory. Bison gore people who approach too closely, elk will charge, and bears can maul you with their powerful sharp claws. Give animals the space they need to feel comfortable.

9. Yellowstone is such a great place to see animals. With a little courtesy, people and animals can live together in harmony.

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