The National Park Service has a funny new warning for anyone tempted to approach an adorable-looking animal. The agency warned that wild creatures may resemble oversized stuffed animals, but visitors should never treat them like pets.
The agency shared the reminder across its social media accounts on Aug. 6 and asked visitors not to pet “fluffy cows,” bears, marmots and other animals that travelers could encounter in parks.
The warning was silly enough that it made some impact online. The Facebook version had attracted about 23,000 reactions, 740 comments and 3,300 shares by Aug. 7.
Behind the humor is actually important safety guidance for the busy summer travel season. Visitors should keep their distance, avoid feeding wildlife and move away if an animal approaches.
The National Park Service asks you not to pet the ‘fluffy cows’
Embedded media follows. Please allow a moment for it to load.
Its caption notes that “looks like a giant stuffed animal” is not a scientific classification. It also discourages people from offering animals snacks, inviting them home, or attempting to give them a ride.
The agency’s wildlife-watching guidance says many parks require at least 25 yards between visitors and most animals. Bears and wolves generally require a distance of at least 100 yards, although rules can vary by park.
Binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lenses provide a closer view without disturbing an animal. If wildlife changes its behavior because of someone’s presence, that person is already too close.
Recent bison injury shows why distance matters
Bison can look calm while grazing or resting, but they remain unpredictable. Yellowstone National Park says they can run three times faster than humans and have injured more people there than any other animal.
On June 26, a 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison near Mud Volcano in Yellowstone. Emergency personnel transported the child to a hospital, according to the park’s official report. The incident remains under investigation.
Visitors should never approach, touch, feed, or crowd wildlife. If an animal moves closer, NPS advises backing away to restore the required distance.