“We advise keeping at least 120 feet (36 meters) or about three bus-lengths away from black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Stay safe and never assume you are the one that can get away with a close encounter.” –Rocky Mountain National Park

Mind numbing idiocy out of Rocky Mountain National Park where a mother caught on camera filming her daughter approaching a moose well within the recommended 120 foot distance for safe observation. Getting this close to wild moose in dangerous in general but when you factor in the moose in the video is a juvenile, the risk increases significantly. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young and getting between one and her calf can trigger an attack. This is a textbook example of what not to do if you see a moose in the wild:

What if I really want the perfect photo?

The popularity of selfies and capturing any moment through photographs or video is posing a new threat to wildlife and humans. Trigger-happy tourists have started to provoke animals, and in some instances, alter their behaviors as a result. Quietly watching from a distance can be even more rewarding than getting the perfect shot. Perhaps you even came here to “get away” from a busy lifestyle and technology. So, use your zoom or a telephoto lens, or put your camera down and take a moment to really appreciate what you see.

RELATED: Idiot Tourist Plays Dead After Moose Charge In Jackson Hole

Wild new perspective of that massive rockslide in the Weeping Rock area of Zion National Park on November 14th. The video was taken from the Weeping Rock hiking trail by Carolyn Morrell.

The last time a rockslide happened in this area was in 2019. In that incident three hikers were injured and dozens more were stranded. That slide shut the majority of the trail down permanently. Only a quarter mile trail to the lookout remains open to Zion National Park visitors.  No injuries were reported from the November 14th slide.

RELATED: “It Sounded Like Thunder” Massive Rockslide @ Zion National Park

Wild footage out of Zion National Park where a visitor captured a massive rockslide kicked off yesterday in the Weeping Rock area. KSL reports Susan Grove was hiking along with her friend when she heard what sounded like a clap of thunder:

“When you see something like that coming down, it is scary at first. It was quite an experience. It was my first time on Angel’s Landing, and I couldn’t believe we experienced this.” –Susan Grove

Interesting side note, Susan Grove’s husband witnessed the last rockslide in the same location back in 2019. What a coinkydink:

“That’s very interesting that we both watched these rockslides. What does that say about us?”

The 2019 slide at Weeping Rock injured three hikers and stranded dozens more. That slide shut the majority of the trail down permanently. Only a quarter mile trail to the lookout remains open to Zion National Park visitors.  No injuries were reported from Tuesday’s slide.

Park tour guide, Nolan Hanson, was lucky enough to see the slide firsthand and understands the rarity of witnessing something like this:

“I have been telling my guests about the 2019 slide for years.  And to actually witness this one was unreal. I could be in the park for the next 100 years and never see anything like that again.” –Nolan Hanson, Zion Park Tourguide

The area surrounding Weeping Rock remains closed while scientists from Zion National Park assess the debris.

This video about rockfalls was posted by Zion National Park just one month ago. The 2019 rockfall is @3:40. Pretty nuts:

Utah’s First National Park:

Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.

RELATED: Influencer Climbs Over A Protective Fence At Zion For A Photo Shoot

“Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails in hydrothermal areas.” –Yellowstone National Park

Check out this not so rare example of a species that roams Yellowstone National Park with the scientific name “Touron-Colossicus.” Locally known as Tourons, these dimwitted bipeds walk where they’re not supposed and engage dangerous wildlife with blatant disregard for regulations and their own personal safety. This touron can be seen wandering around a hyrdothermal area unencumbered by park rules, respect for the delicate ecoculture and instincts of self preservation. Its fascinating that this species not only survives but the population seems to be growing in our National Parks.

Hydrothermal Safety:

. Stay on all boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas and keep children within reach.

. Pets are not allowed in hydrothermal areas.

. Swimming or bathing is prohibited in hydrothermal pools or streams where water flows entirely from a hydrothermal source.

. Be aware that toxic gases exist in some hydrothermal areas. If you feel sick, leave the location immediately.

Is it really dangerous to walk off the boardwalk in geyser basins?

Yes! Geyser basins constantly change, making it impossible to guess a safe path. Also, the ground may be only a thin crust over boiling water or scalding mud, with some pools acidic enough to burn through boots. Many people have been injured by breaking through the fragile surface, and some people have died from falling into hydrothermal features.

Looking for something to do on Veterans Day? Consider taking advantage of the National Park Service’s annual waiving of entrance fees to all parks to honor the day. Also just want to give any veterans a heads up that you can get free lifetime pass to access 2,000+ federal recreation sites MORE INFO HERE. Heart felt gratitude to all of our veterans for your strength, courage and dedication to keeping us safe. Thank you.

“Did you know veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and Gold Star Families can obtain a free lifetime pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites? Veterans can present one of four forms of acceptable ID (Department of Defense ID Card, Veteran Health ID (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or ID card) at participating federal recreation areas that normally charge an entrance fee. Gold Star Families can obtain information, self-certify they qualify, and download a voucher on NPS.gov

Every year, the National Park Service offers free entry for all visitors on Veterans Day (November 11). In addition to the fee waiver, national parks will offer programs, hikes, and other activities. Many national parks have direct connections to the American military—dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect.”

The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.

The free Military Pass is a way to thank current US military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.

A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

It goes without saying that hand feeding wildlife in our national parks is not only dumb but illegal and punishable under the penalty of law. With that settled, this kid didn’t know any better but his family that eagerly filmed as he got his fingers bitten by an elk in Rocky Mountain National Park surely did.  Thankfully this kid kept all his digits.

The stuff you see in our national parks can boggle the mind. This dude’s look says it all:

RMNP WILDLIFE GUIDELINES:

It can be hard to believe that a safe distance is as much about the animal’s welfare as it is about yours, but it’s true. Getting too close, feeding, and touching are all things that can put you and your furry, feathered, or scaled counterpart in grave danger. While Rocky Mountain National Park is a conscientious partner for visitors, it also remains continuously committed to the protection and preservation of nature and wildlife.

Despite their good intentions, some visitors love park animals to death. As wildlife become used to humans and lose their natural fear, the animals become aggressive and may be destroyed. Although they may appear harmless and even curious about you, wildlife do injure visitors every year. That’s partly why approaching, harassing, or feeding any kind of wildlife, no matter how small or familiar, is illegal in all national parks.

We want all visitors to create lasting memories, so be safe and remember that distance always makes the heart grow fonder.

How close is too close?
Stay at least 75 feet (23 meters) or about two bus-lengths away from all wildlife. We advise keeping at least 120 feet (36 meters) or about three bus-lengths away from black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Stay safe and never assume you are the one that can get away with a close encounter.

What should you do if you meet a mountain lion?
Never approach a mountain lion especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Always give them a way to escape. Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. Do all you can to appear larger. Grab a stick. Raise your arms. If you have small children with you, pick them up. If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms, shout and throw objects at it. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself. If attacked, fight back! Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet, and elusive. The chance of being attacked by a mountain lion is quite low compared to many other natural hazards. There is, for example, a far greater risk of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a mountain lion. Report all incidents to a park ranger.

What should you do if you meet a black bear?
Never approach a bear. Keep children beside you. There is more safety in numbers; it is best to travel in a close group. If a bear approaches you, stand up tall, and make loud noises- shout, clap hands, clang pots and pans. When done immediately, these actions have been successful in scaring bears away. However, if attacked, fight back! Never try and retrieve anything once a bear has it. Report all incidents to a park ranger.

What if I really want the perfect photo?
The popularity of selfies and capturing any moment through photographs or video is posing a new threat to wildlife and humans. Trigger-happy tourists have started to provoke animals, and in some instances, alter their behaviors as a result. Quietly watching from a distance can be even more rewarding than getting the perfect shot. Perhaps you even came here to “get away” from a busy lifestyle and technology. So, use your zoom or a telephoto lens, or put your camera down and take a moment to really appreciate what you see.

What if I want to get an animal’s attention?
Calling, clicking, whistling or making noises of any kind to attract wildlife is illegal. Animals deserve to enjoy the park without disruption just as you do.

If there’s a group of people, is it safer to be near wildlife?
Traveling in groups can help keep you safe, but that does not mean you are safer to get closer to animals. Whether it’s just you or 20 people, keep the long distance. As crowds gather (as they often do), wildlife can quickly feel threatened and, in their panic, harm people. This is especially the case as people start to surround the animal(s), even if they are at the proper distance, because the wildlife may feel trapped. If people around you stop maintaining the safe distance, don’t be afraid to speak up and remind your fellow visitors of the safe distance rules. Sometimes, in the moment, anyone could use a gentle reminder that long-distance relationships with wildlife are better for everyone.

What if an animal approaches me?
Wildlife may not know better, but YOU do. Although it may feel flattering, if any kind of wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain that safe distance. It’s your responsibility and your safety—help us keep wildlife wild.

Can I feed the animals?
Perhaps you’ve fed animals in petting zoos before, but national parks are different. Help us keep this place and these animals unique by never feeding them.

Feeding wildlife is prohibited. Even feeding animals grass from the park or other food you think might be harmless is not allowed. This is for their safety as well as yours.

Wildlife will invade food left unattended, even those in bear-proof containers or coolers. Store food in your vehicle’s trunk, out of sight, with the windows completely closed, or in site-provided storage lockers. Use our wildlife-proof containers to dispose trash, and ensure you clean up all food particles.

Food, coolers, and dirty cookware left unattended, even for a short time, are subject to confiscation by park rangers and citations.

What if an animal begs for food?
Animals can easily pick up scavenging practices, so never feed them. Animals stay healthier when you do not feed them. And, once they learn to beg, they can become aggressive, more likely to get injured by vehicles, and become seriously ill. They do not need your food handouts to survive. You can help us curtail this unwanted behavior from animals by putting your food away and moving away from the animal. Ask a ranger for other ways you can help.

Ah, but what harm could one person really do when they get too close or toss a piece of food to an animal? I’ve been up close to wildlife before!
Some of us might think of ourselves as “animal whisperers” or be really familiar with certain kinds. We can certainly appreciate that, but consider using your gift to help our national parks be a place where wildlife can be wild. That’s why you and all of our other guests have come to appreciate these special places. Be a role model to others in your family or group and even other visitors by embodying our mission to protect and preserve our wildlife.

Risks to you include:

• Bites, scratches, and/or bruises
• Infectious diseases
• Internet/media fame for a very undesirable reason (Have you seen the number of YouTube videos and news reports of people getting attacked by wild animals because they got too close?)
• Damage to your vehicle or belongings
• Animal waste in or on your belongings (or you) when you do not secure and store your food properly
• Pesky and persistent animals that could become aggressive
• In rare cases, severe injuries or even death

Risks to wildlife include:

• Diseases
• Poor health
• Increased likelihood of being killed by vehicle traffic because they are drawn to visitor areas
• Euthanasia when animals become aggressive or harmful to visitors
• Injuries
• Young wildlife may be abandoned

RELATED: Rocky Mountain National Park Makes Example of Moose Selfie Idiot

“In this instance we want to give the bear a chance to lose interest in the area before the situation escalates and visitors or the bear are harmed.” –Superintendent Tracy Swartout

An 8 mile portion of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway has been closed by after authorities received reports of visitors holding a bear cub and trying to hand feed it.

Multiple reports were made about the bad behavior at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook in the park, prompting the closure for the safety of both the bear and park visitors.

While may seem like commonsense not to attempt to pick up a wild bear and feed it, apparently some knuckleheads in North Carolina actually tried it. Do yourself and the wildlife that inhabit our parks across the nation a favor and observe them from a respectable distance.

Here’s the statement from Blue Ridge Parkway:

After multiple documented reports of visitors feeding and attempting to hold a young bear in recent weeks at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway officials are closing a portion of the scenic route from milepost 367.6 near the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to milepost 375.6 at Ox Creek Road. This section will close Monday, October 30, until further notice. Park visitors can access Craggy Gardens recreational area via NC80 from the north; however, until the road reopens, the visitor center at milepost 364.5 will remain closed.

“We are closing this section of the road temporarily for the safety of both the bear and park visitors. When people intentionally attract bears with trash and food it can lead to very dangerous situations. In this instance we want to give the bear a chance to lose interest in the area before the situation escalates and visitors or the bear are harmed.” –Superintendent Tracy Swartout

Fall is a critical time of year for bears. Between September and November bears may forage for food up to 20 hours a day as they attempt to put on weight for the winter and hibernation. During this time bears actively seek out natural foods but will also take advantage of human foods when presented with the opportunity.

Park staff want to remind park visitors and neighbors to keep food out of sight and follow all bear safety tips available on the Parkway’s Bear Safety web page and at BearWise.org. If you encounter a bear while on the Parkway, call (828) 298-2491 or stop at the nearest Visitor Center to report the encounter.

Viewing clips of individuals engaging with the natural beauty of U.S. national parks can be alarming. A recent clip circulating on Instagram reveals how some “tourons” — a blend of the words “tourist” and “idiot” — often demonstrate a lack of judgment.

This particular video, shared on the National Park Tourons (@nationalparktourons) page, captures a lady accompanied by two young ones at Sequoia National Park. Bypassing the protective barriers, they are seen perilously close to the park’s rugged terrain, drawing the attention of bystanders.

In places like Sequoia National Park, these barriers aren’t merely decorative; they play a crucial role in preserving certain zones from human interference and potential harm. They might protect recovering vegetation after an event or shield delicate areas from external stress. Ignoring these restricted zones can harm the park’s ecosystem and pose risks like slips or falls for visitors.

Some parks implement these restrictions to safeguard the habitats of various species. For instance, in 2022, measures were taken to shield Hyperion, the tallest living tree on Earth, following the negative impact of numerous visitors in the Redwoods National Park. These visitors left behind litter and waste, posing challenges for the park’s wildlife.

Several comments called for stricter monitoring or the imposition of penalties to deter such risky behavior by visitors.

“In Sequoia this weekend, this lady went over the rails with BOTH of her kids and went further down on Morro Rock ”
: @geneselia

A 24-year-old Canadian motorcyclist collided with a camper van in Death Valley on Saturday, Oct. 28, after the Swiss van driver suddenly braked to avoid hitting a tarantula.

According to a National Park Service press release, an ambulance transported the 24-year-old to the Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, Nevada, while the condition of the Swiss couple inside the van is not stated. The large spider remained fully untouched throughout the incident. Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds was the first NPS employee to arrive on the scene.

“Please drive slowly, especially going down steep hills in the park. Our roads still have gravel patches due to flood damage, and wildlife of all sizes are out.” -Mike Reynolds

A majority of Death Valley’s roads were closed this summer due to flood damage in the wake of Tropical Storm Hillary. A large number of those roads remain closed, though four major routes, including CA-190 (where the tarantula accident occurred), are now open to the public. Many of the roads may remain closed into 2024, while Bonnie Clare Road is expected to remain closed until late 2025.

Tarantulas spend a majority of their lives in underground burrows. In the fall, mature male tarantulas, usually those around 8 to 10 years old, leave their burrows in search for a mate. This journey often represents their last, with some being killed and eaten by their female mate, and others finding death in another form (predators, starving, freezing, etc.).

Tarantulas are near harmless to humans. They are nonaggressive and rather slow moving, so tarantula bites are quite uncommon. When they do occur, however, they apparently feel quite similar to a bee sting and are not deadly to humans.

Related: Thousand Of Tarantulas Are Set To Make Their Way Across Colorado Over The Coming Months

Featured Image Credit: Death Valley National Park via Facebook

Leave it to the unfiltered mind of a 7-year-old kid to accurately explain why visitors constantly break the rules at Yellowstone National Park and put their well being in danger everyday:

Mom: Should we try to go see that geyser over there?

Kid: No because there’s huge buffalo crossing

Mom: We gotta wait for them cross…why?

Kid: Because otherwise we’ll get rammed.

Mom: How come all those people aren’t waiting?

Kid: Because they’re stupid.

Bravo kid, couldn’t have put better myself. That’s exactly why they do that

Yellowstone Bison Guidelines:

Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.

• Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. 
• Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
• Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.

RELATED: Bison Headbutts Kid At Drive-Thru Zoo