MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is asking anyone planning to visit the park as it reopens operations to help protect YNP for future generations by taking the Yellowstone Pledge.

According to YNP, the Yellowstone Pledge is a personal promise you make to yourself and the park. It goes as follows:

“I pledge to protect Yellowstone National Park. I will act responsibly and safely, set a good example for others and share my love of the park and all the things that make it special.”

The YNP rangers have put together 10 steps to put the pledge into action:

  • Give wildlife room, use a zoom lens, a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars
  • Follow the beaten path by staying on the boardwalks
  • Be bear aware
  • Watch out for water – use caution around rivers, lakes and streams
  • Practice safe selfies by being aware of your surroundings
  • Enjoy the ride by following speed limits and staying with your car in a wildlife jam; use pullouts to avoid blocking traffic and damaging vegetation
  • Leave your drone at home
  • Clean, drain, dry – clean, drain and dry your watercraft and fishing gear before you come into the park 
  • Stash your trash
  • Leave what you find

To find more information or take the pledge in another language, click here.