The RV is packed with your family and the map app on your phone is routed for Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. All you have to do is follow the soothing voice of Siri and stop at all the scenic spots you’ve picked as well as the great places you’ll discover along the way. A big attraction will surely be the wildlife. No trip to these amazing parks is complete without seeing some wildlife, but keep in mind that the wildlife is indeed wild and you need to respect them in their habitat, as you are just passing through and are a visitor in their home. Follow a few simple rules while observing wildlife and you and your family are sure to have an unforgettable and safe day in the park.
Wildlife can sometimes be tricky to spot, as they don’t necessarily realize that you and your family drove all the way from Nebraska just to see them. In fact they don’t even know what Nebraska is nor seem to care. They aren’t on Instagram, don’t care about being in your selfies, and frankly are more interested in foraging for food, sleeping, and hanging out in one of the most scenic places in the world, where they just happen to live then winding up in your vacation photos. Treat them with respect, use some common sense, and you’ll be able to get a ton of photos of all the wildlife you come across.
Where to Look
If you are on a mission to seem some wildlife a good bet is to check in with the Ranger and Information Centers located through out the parks. The Rangers live and work in the parks and know where animals have been hanging out. Rangers will be happy to give you a ton of tips on wildlife etiquette and where you have a good chance to spy some. It’s their job and they want to see you stay safe and have a great time. Trailheads in the park will also often give you a heads up with postings of what to expect if you are venturing off the highway and out of your cars to stretch your legs.
Traffic Jams are Great
A traffic jam is a good indication that a moose, bear, or insert whatever animal you are really hoping to see just happens to be hanging out by the road. If you see a bunch of cars in line and people on the side of the road that’s a sure bet that you’ll see some animals. Feel free to park in a safe spot and get out of your vehicle for a better look and photo op. Just keep in mind not to get too close and always obey Park Rangers. A good rule to follow is to give the animals plenty of ample room to do their thing. That is why you have a zoom on your iPhone or fancy SLR camera. The National Parks recommend that you maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards or 300 feet from bears and wolves and 25 yards or 75 feet from all other wildlife, unless you are viewing safely from your car. Getting any closer can make the animals nervous and well you don’t want that. A nervous or startled animal is prone to possibly charge or attack. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park are not petting zoos and the wildlife is indeed wild. The last thing you want to do is come between a mother and her offspring as her motherly instincts will surely kick in, view you as a threat, and possibly attack you. That’s a bad outcome all around and surely to ruin your day, trip, and health.
Keep that Picnic Basket Locked up Like Fort Knox
Make sure to never feed the animals. This should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating. Feeding animals is one of the worst things you can do, as it destroys the natural balance between humans and animals. Animals don’t wear pants, don’t carry wallets, don’t have “jobs”, so you don’t want to get them hooked on Twinkies and Slim Jims that you causally toss their way because they won’t be able to buy any in the future after they acquire a taste for them. After they have had such convenience store delicacies they will be rather upset that they can’t get or buy more, since they don’t wear pants, carry a wallet, or have “jobs”. Don’t ruin grass and berries for them. Grass and berries are delicious when you are hungry and live in a National Park. You also don’t want to inadverntly feed anything besides you and your family, so make sure not to leave coolers or any food unattended that any curious animals can get into. They have an amazing sense of smell; it’s one of their super powers, so leave any food stowed in your car when not being consumed. If you are camping use bear boxes, food canisters, or secure your food safely off the ground if in the backcountry.
What to Do if You See a Bear??!!
If hiking on trails make sure to make bears aware of you by doing your best American Idol, talking, or even shouting. This will lessen your chances of a sudden encounter. It’s also recommended to hike in groups and pack bear spray, which can be bought or even rented. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but it could be the most important item you pack. Just make sure you don’t try and take it on the plane home with you. If you do encounter a bear make sure you don’t run. Bears are much faster than you and could take home gold medals in just about any track meet in the universe. If you see a bear and it is unaware of you, simply go a different direction if possible. If the bear is aware of your presence and not aggressive, slowly back away. If a bear attacks, drop to the ground lie on your belly, and protect your head. Keep your pack on for protection. Lie as still as possible, play dead, and hopefully the bear will lose interest and eventually leave.
Animals in the park are best observed from a safe distance. Trust us they feel the same way about you as well. For safety tips on what to do if you encounter other animals and other wildlife safety measures go to www.nps.gov for more information.