Tourists (Tourons) Approaching Wild Animals in Yellowstone National Park
I normally do not pull out my soapbox and take on an issue, but this current so called “Touron” thing occurring in places such as Yellowstone National Park, and being “plastered” on various social media sites needs some discussion. Having just returned from my annual fall photo trip to Yellowstone, I arrived home thoroughly disgusted with the behavior of many Park visitors. It appears from watching the abhorrent behaviors of these “Turons,” they must feel Park rules and regulations do not apply to them, and they have no consideration for the safety of the animals. It’s as if these folks, because they are in the Park, feel they can approach animals as if they were pets or “tamed” game farm animals. Trust me they are not tame. And, if an animal does turn on an approaching individual, “is it the animal’s fault”? I think not.
On two separate occasions this fall I witnessed visitors approach Park animals and get within feet of them. Park rules clearly state everywhere to “Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves” and “Stay at least 25 yards away from all other animals”. And yet we have our Turons ignoring those simple rules. These folks appear to be challenging the animal, or certainly challenging Park rules so they can appear on a Turon social media site. They seem to be saying to the animal, “come on chase me, I dare you”. You ask them why they fail to consider their safety and the safety of the animal, and they will just shrug their shoulders, tell you to mind your own business, or simply ignore you and continue to approach, ensuring their actions will probably get recorded and placed on FaceBook. And it is amazing how others disrespectful visitors will approach so close to a wild animal, simply to get that “close up cell phone photo shot”. If a close up shot is what you want and it is that important, get a better camera and a bigger lens.
Mammoth Bull Elk
Am I angry? You bet I am. This behavior is totally disrespectful or Park rules and regulations and simply put, it is not safe for any of us and specifically it is not safe for the animal. It is reckless, and not in the best interest of protecting our wildlife, other Park visitors or themselves, and it certainly demonstrates disregard for those who honor the rules. Yellowstone National Park is the home for most of the animals one sees when visiting my website. We have no right to violate the sanctity of their life or their home, just so we can get our face on FaceBook or get that closeup shot.