6 Mistakes to Avoid in Yellowstone National Park

"As a local and regular parkgoer, I love that the world’s first national park puts Mother Nature at center stage, but it demands respect: more injuries and fatalities here come from traffic than wildlife, so I drive the 45 mph speed limit, stay vigilant for animals that can suddenly dart between cars during wildlife jams, and never park in the roadway—if there’s no shoulder I pull fully past the white line or make a legal U-turn to find a safe spot. I keep a safe distance from wildlife—at least 25 yards from moose, elk, deer, and bison, and 100 yards from bears and wolves—and if an animal stops feeding, locks onto me, or stands to get a better look, I back up. When stepping out for a sighting, I listen to rangers or neon-vested volunteers and return to my vehicle if wildlife approaches. With pets, I stick to the rules: they’re allowed only within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds, must be restrained, and can be put down if they bother wildlife, so I use local kennels or doggy day cares when I plan to hike. On trails, bear spray is essential and accessible (not buried in a pack); TSA won’t let you fly with it, but park shops sell or rent it, and you spray it at the bear, not on your skin. I never share food—sloppy picnics attract rodents that draw in coyotes and bears—and yes, feeding wildlife can land you in Yellowstone’s jail. Between scalding hot springs and powerful animals, people have been gored, stranded in winter, and even “dissolved,” so being smarter than the average bear keeps both visitors and wildlife safe." - Katie Jackson Katie Jackson Katie Jackson is a New York City-based writer who covers travel, food, and more. Her work has appeared in USA Today, The Sunday Times, Esquire, Outside, New York Post, and Travel + Leisure, among others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines