JACKSON, Wyo. — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and the National Park Service (NPS) remind visitors that feeding or approaching wildlife can negatively impact their health.
YNP said on its Facebook that wild animals that are fed become habituated and begin to seek out humans for quick and easy sustenance. According to YNP, habituated animals will move closer to parking lots and roadways, leading to increased vehicular strikes and the potential for negative interactions with humans.
“Feeding animals in the park not only puts yourself at risk of injury, but it can greatly reduce the chances of survival for the animal,” YNP said. “Whether it’s a coyote, a deer, a raven or a squirrel — never feed an animal in YNP. Practice safe wildlife viewing techniques, and enjoy the critters from a distance.”
The NPS also noted via Facebook on Jan. 26 that people need to be especially aware of bison on the landscape.
“Bison do not pose a threat to people unless you get too close,” the NPS said. “Many bison-related injuries in parks result from people approaching them to take a picture.”
The NPS encourages visitors to remain in a vehicle or, if on foot, maintain a safe distance when in the park. The NPS advises using a camera with a telephoto lens to take photos from more than 25 yards away.
“If you see bison on the road, be patient and stay in your vehicle,” the NPS said via Facebook. “Wait for them to move, and do not honk your horn. That will only make them go slower. A bison’s level of aggressiveness, both physical and passive, is legendary.”
