Wildlife Safety & Ethics

WILDLIFE SAFETY & ETHICS​

Wildlife is wild. Your safety—and the animals’ safety—come first.

Non‑negotiable rules:

1

Keep your distance. Use binoculars/spotting scopes/zoom lenses.

2

Never feed, touch, chase, crowd, or surround wildlife.

3

Stay on legal routes. Don’t trespass or bypass closures.

4

Never place yourself between an adult and its young.

5

If an animal changes behavior because of you, you are too close—back away.

6

Do not share sensitive locations (nests, dens, newborns, rare species hotspots).

Distance guidance (examples):

Many parks require minimum distances such as 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves, but requirements vary by park and situation. Always follow posted rules and land manager instructions.

Park examples (verify signage on site):
  1. Grand Teton National Park: maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife.
  2. Yellowstone National Park guidance commonly emphasizes distances such as 25 yards from animals like bison and elk and 100 yards from bears; Yellowstone guidance also includes 100 yards from wolves and cougars. Yellowstone materials also state that park regulations require minimum distances such as 25 yards from wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Our map safety approach:
  1. We do not publish wildlife sightings in real time.
  2. Approved sightings are delayed by at least 24 hours and reviewed by an admin.
  3. We may generalize or remove location details to protect wildlife and habitat.
This site is informational only and not a safety or navigation tool.