6 Pitfalls to Avoid in Yellowstone National Park, From a Local's Perspective

While my California cousins may have taken their first steps at Disneyland, for my family in Montana, our beloved 'theme park' was Yellowstone National Park, where the attractions were less about Mickey Mouse and more about the wonders of nature.

Thirty years later, I'm still just an hour away from the Beartooth Pass, leading to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. As a local and frequent visitor, it pains me to see stories about a Yellowstone 'touron' — a term popularized by the trending Instagram account — committing foolish acts. Headlines like June’s “Bison injures 83-year-old woman in Yellowstone National Park” often spotlight tourists getting too close to wildlife, but touron blunders are widespread. In May, a complaint was made about a 'shortage of trained Grizzlies.' Just a month prior, a car full of visitors was stuck in snow for six hours after ignoring road closure signs. And last August, several tourists plunged their hands into a hot spring, thankfully not the same one that 'dissolved' a man in 2016.

Let me clarify: I don’t want to discourage anyone from visiting Yellowstone, nor do I wish to come across as a hall monitor. My goal is to encourage respect for both the environment and ourselves while we enjoy the world’s first national park. With that in mind, here are some 'don’ts' that should be helpful, whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth driving through the Roosevelt Arch. This isn't an all-inclusive list (check here for a comprehensive guide to park rules and regulations), but it’s a solid starting point. And remember, in the wise words of Yogi Bear, be “smarter than the average bear.”

Channel Your Inner Mario Andretti

Forget about the bears and bison: Traffic-related incidents lead to the highest number of injuries and fatalities in the park. If you're behind the wheel of a rental car or RV, make sure you know the vehicle well. And take it slow. Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 miles per hour. My friend Bo Welden, a guide and photographer in Yellowstone, advises extra caution around wildlife traffic jams. "Animals may suddenly dart between cars to cross the road, leaving you little time to react," he warned. Distracted drivers have caused the deaths of bear cubs, mother badgers, wolf pups, and more.

Park Right in the Middle of the Road

In an ideal scenario, wildlife would only appear at designated pullouts with ample parking. However, most of the time, you might spot animals in areas with limited shoulder space. In such cases, it’s acceptable to pull over, ensuring all four tires are beyond the white line so other vehicles can safely pass. If you can’t find a suitable spot, proceed slowly ahead and perform a U-turn safely — this is permitted in the park — until you can park. While you are allowed to exit your vehicle to get a closer look at a sighting, always heed the instructions of park rangers or volunteers, typically wearing neon vests. If wildlife approaches, they will likely ask you to return to your car.

Don't Pet the Fluffy Cows (or Approach Any Wildlife)

Following a 2016 incident where tourists placed a bison calf that seemed cold inside their car, local gift shops began selling merchandise that reads, “Don’t pet the fluffy cows.” While they joke about these occurrences (yes, it has happened multiple times), the situation is serious. The bison calf ultimately had to be euthanized due to becoming habituated to humans. Always keep at least 25 yards, or the length of about two school buses, away from herbivores like moose, elk, deer, and bison. For bears and wolves, that distance increases to 100 yards. And that's just the minimum. “If you notice the animal stops eating, focuses on you, or stands up to get a better look, those are all signs of increased stress, and it’s time to back off,” advises Welden.

Let Your Pets Roam Freely

My dog has visited Yellowstone a dozen times, but he mainly enjoys the view from the back seat. Given the abundance of wildlife, it’s not one of our most pet-friendly national parks. Luckily, when you arrive, the ranger at the entrance will provide a brochure containing all the necessary information. For instance, pets are only allowed within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds and must be kept on a leash. According to the NPS, any domestic animal found disturbing wildlife can be euthanized. It’s also crucial to prevent your pet from introducing diseases or becoming prey themselves. The brochure lists local kennels and doggy daycares, which I recommend utilizing if you plan to hike or leave your vehicle for extended periods.

Hike Without Bear Spray

While bug spray may be optional, bear spray is a must-have. Yet, I can’t help but notice that about 90 percent of the tourists I encounter on the trails don’t carry it. Or if they do, it’s buried at the bottom of their bags, making it as useful as a dead phone. “This is concerning because it shows a lack of respect for the resource,” says Welden. Bear spray not only protects us but also helps safeguard bears. If they feel threatened and are sprayed, it reinforces their natural fear of humans, which is beneficial! Although TSA prohibits bear spray in checked or carry-on luggage, you can typically purchase or rent it at most park stores. And remember, it’s meant to be aimed at bears, not applied to your skin like bug spray.

Share Your Food

Keep a tight grip on your trail mix, especially the M&Ms! While it’s nice to share with friends and family, doing so with wildlife can be disrespectful at best and disastrous at worst. My dad, who visited Yellowstone “back in the day,” often reminds me that rangers used to feed bears for tourist entertainment. Nowadays, this practice is not only frowned upon but can also land you in jail (yes, Yellowstone has its own jail). And it’s not just the larger predators you should avoid feeding. “Messy picnic spots attract smaller rodents, which in turn lure coyotes and bears,” explains Welden.