Respecting Wildlife
The abundant wildlife in the vast lands of Yellowstone National Park is a true treasure on our planet. The area is home to the largest concentration of free roaming wildlife found in the lower 48. This includes one of the largest herds of elk in North America, along with the largest free roaming herd of bison and significant population of grizzly bears within the boundaries of the lower 48. With significant populations of wildlife in Yellowstone, it is easy to assume that these native species are secure and stable in their environment. However, Yellowstone's unique ecosystem is sensitive, and visitors need to be aware of the lands that they enter, respecting wildlife to ensure the safety of these wild animals and protecting themselves from the dangers posed from wildlife encounters.
For many, the primary reason for a visit to Yellowstone National Park is to observe the bountiful wildlife. Nearly three million visitors enter the gates of the park each year, entering a land that was set aside in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant as our first nation's and world's national park. Yellowstone was declared a land that was "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people", but many will find in their travels to the park that Yellowstone is dedicated to its wild inhabitants, and that the people that visit are peering into their world.
There are many helpful travel tips that can benefit visitors to wildlands, such as Yellowstone National Park, by respecting wildlife. First are driving tips to avoid collisions with wildlife. Wildlife are most active and most often seen on the road at dawn and dusk, in search for their food and water. These poor lighting conditions affect your ability to see animals attempting to cross the road, so it is very important to slow down, be alert and pratice caution in order to protect yourself, your property, and wildlife. Many people have been injured and killed in vehicle collisions with bison, elk, moose, deer and other wildlife.
1. The eyes of deer, elk and other wildlife actually shine, or reflect back, in vehicle headlights. This allows drivers to see their eyes in the darkness, and being alert and on the lookout for animals along the sides of the road at night can help reduce an encounter. 2. Wildlife encounters are more common on highways prior to a storm and on days where there is fresh snow on the roads. Be sure to drive slowly during these road conditions, especially when roads are icy, as it is very difficult to come to an abrupt stop. 3. Keep your speed limit at the legal limit of 45 mph, especially at night. 4. The presence of wildlife along the roadway is a good indication that where there is one, there are more nearby, especially in the case of elk or deer as they tend to travel in groups. 5. Knowing wildlife habit is helpful, such as elk, deer and moose travel along heavily vegetated corridors. Expect wildlife crossings in these areas. 6. When on the roads, if you encounter wildlife let the animal move off the road or slow down and pass carefully. Stress to an animal can deplete its vital energy reserves and can cause death even without the animal being hit. 7. If you hit an animal, contact a ranger and help prevent needless suffering.
Respect wildlife by keeping a safe, comfortable, and non-threatening distance. Once a person comes too close to wild animals, it is often too late to escape injury or death. When viewing wildlife, your presence should be one that is not disturbing to the natural behavior of the animal. Indications that you are too close to an animal are if the animal stops feeding or resting, starts moving away or toward you, or starts panting, huffing or making unusual sounds. Pawing the ground or swinging its head is a clear sign of frustration, along with any nervous, uneasy or stressed behavior. If you notice these signs, you are threatening the animal and could cause a very negative encounter to arise. You should refrain from eye contact, and slowly begin moving away. The safest way to view wildlife is through binoculars or spotting scopes, a positive method in respecting wildlife.
The wild nature of these beautiful animals draws so many of us to observe their natural behavior. Despite their tame appearance at times, it is important we never loss sight that these animals are in fact wild, and respecting wildlife by following park policies and regulations helps protect both the safety of the visitor and wildlife. It is unlawful to approach within 100 yards of a bear, or within 25 yards of other wildlife. Feeding any wildlife is illegal. Wildlife calls such as elk bugles or other artificial attractants are forbidden. Speed limits are in force to minimize wildlife encounters on the roadways. It is the responsibility of the people, as a visitor to these wildlands to respect wildlife and do our part in ensuring the integrity of their natural environment. We must not forget, that we are purely visitors in an ecosystem that is delicate and sensitive to our presence.
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