Why People Keep Trying To Pet Wild Animals?

Above, Yellowstone bison relaxing in a meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent weeks, I've posted about stupid things some people do while in a national park. One such thing is walking to the mouth of Old Faithful Geyser. Another post was on a Oregon man who went off-roading in a protected area in Crater Lake National Park, damaging rare plant life.

Then, there's stupid people who insist on trying to pet (touch) wild animals.

Condé Nast Travel has posted an article asking, "Who people keep trying to pet animals at Yellowstone National Park?"

Good question!

They start with:

In Yellowstone National Park, bull bison can weigh in at 2,000 pounds and run at 35 mph. Their hooves and horns are lethal, and the animal is so aggressive and dangerous that wolves will only hunt for bison—considered the most difficult prey to kill—in a large pack. 

The park service recommends that visitors stay at least 25 yards away from wild animals like bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears and other carnivores, at all times. Despite this, there have been multiple bison attacks this summer, in Yellowstone and North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

The dangers of human and wild animal contact are well-documented—as is our desire to physcrocically connect with wild animals and capture those encounters for posterity. But for the sake of the wildlife we claim to love, it’s up to humans to hold each other accountable in ending this destructive practice.

To read more, go here.