Some people will do anything for a selfie, even risk their life.
The desire to get a great photo of a wild animal is understandable, but for a certain type of tourist, common sense goes completely out the window the moment they see something furry. National parks and wildlife reserves around the world are filled with cautionary tales of visitors who, in their quest for the perfect selfie, have engaged in breathtakingly foolish and dangerous behavior.
These are the kinds of stunts that not only endanger the tourist but also the wildlife, and they make the rest of us cringe with secondhand embarrassment.
1. They try to take a selfie with a bison.
This is the number one cause of serious injury in Yellowstone National Park. Tourists see the massive, two-thousand-pound bison grazing peacefully and seem to think they are giant, fluffy cows. They will leave their cars and walk right up to the animals, often with their backs turned to take a selfie. They completely ignore the dozens of warning signs.
Bison are wild, powerful, and surprisingly fast animals that can become extremely aggressive when they feel threatened, as mentioned by National Geographic. Every year, there are multiple, predictable incidents of tourists being gored and tossed in the air because they got too close to a bison.
2. They get out of their car on a safari.
The cardinal rule of a safari is to stay inside the vehicle at all times. Yet, every year, there are stories of tourists who decide this rule doesn’t apply to them. They will get out of their safari jeep to get a “better” and unobstructed photo of a lion, an elephant, or another potentially dangerous animal, putting themselves and everyone else in their vehicle at risk, according to Yahoo! Life.
These animals are wild predators, and the vehicle is a metal box that they see as a single, uninteresting object. The moment a person steps out, they become a small, vulnerable, and potentially interesting target.
3. They try to pet, feed, or hold wild animals.
This should be obvious, but it happens with shocking frequency. Tourists will try to pet a “cute” bear cub, not realizing its massive, protective mother is nearby. They will feed alligators from a pier, teaching the animals to associate humans with food, which is incredibly dangerous and often results in the animal having to be euthanized.
They will pick up and hold wild creatures like sea turtles or starfish for a photo, which can cause them extreme stress or even kill them. as stated in Mashable. A fundamental rule of wildlife tourism is to never, ever touch or feed the animals.
4. They use drones to get a closer look.
Drones have become a popular tool for photography, but they can be a source of extreme stress for wildlife. The high-pitched buzzing sound and the sudden appearance of a drone can be perceived as a threat by many animals, especially nesting birds. It can cause them to abandon their nests, leaving their eggs or chicks vulnerable.
Most national parks, including all of them here in the U.S., have banned the use of drones for this very reason. Flying a drone near wildlife is an irresponsible and harmful act that prioritizes a cool video over the well-being of the animals.
5. They intentionally corner a wild animal.
In their desperation to get a photo, tourists will often use their cars or their bodies to block a wild animal’s path of escape, effectively cornering it. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do. A cornered animal is a terrified animal, and a terrified animal is an unpredictable and aggressive one.
Whether it’s a bear, an elk, or a moose, if it feels trapped, its instinct will be to fight its way out, which can result in a charge or an attack. Always make sure that a wild animal has a clear and unobstructed escape route.
6. They try to “ride” a giant tortoise.
The giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands are magnificent and ancient creatures. They are also, unfortunately, the victims of one of the most disrespectful and idiotic tourist stunts. There are countless photos online of foolish tourists who have decided to sit on the back of one of these endangered animals as if it were a theme park ride.
This can cause extreme stress to the animal and can potentially damage its internal organs. It is a profoundly selfish and ignorant act that shows a complete lack of respect for a unique and vulnerable creature.
7. They chase marine life with a boat or while snorkeling.
When tourists spot a pod of dolphins, a sea turtle, or a whale shark, their first instinct is often to get as close as possible. This can lead to them aggressively pursuing the animals with their tour boat or chasing them while snorkeling, trying to touch them. This behavior can cause the animals extreme stress.
It can interrupt their natural feeding and breeding patterns and can even lead to them abandoning a critical habitat. Ethical marine tourism is about passive observation, allowing the animals to approach you on their own terms, not about a high-speed chase.
8. They try to get a reaction by mimicking animal calls.
Some tourists think that the best way to get a great photo of an animal is to get its attention by making noise. They will hoot at an owl, howl at a wolf, or make a clicking sound to get an elk to look at the camera. This is a terrible idea. You are not only disturbing the animal’s natural behavior, but you could also be provoking an aggressive response.
In the case of a predator like a bear or a mountain lion, you are actively advertising your presence in a way that could be interpreted as a challenge, which is the last thing you want to do.
9. They ignore the warnings of local guides.
Local guides are experienced professionals who understand the behavior of the wildlife in their area. They know what a safe distance is, and they can read the subtle cues that an animal is becoming agitated. One of the most foolish things a tourist can do is to ignore the direct instructions of their guide.
When a guide tells you to stay in the boat, to not get any closer, or to be quiet, they are doing it for your safety and for the well-being of the animal. Disregarding their expert advice is an act of supreme arrogance that can have disastrous consequences.
10. They leave food and trash out at their campsite.
This is a classic and incredibly dangerous mistake, especially in bear country. Leaving a cooler out, not properly storing food in a bear-proof container, or leaving trash in an open can is an open invitation for a bear or other large predator to visit your campsite. This is not only dangerous for you, but it is a death sentence for the bear.
A bear that becomes habituated to human food and loses its natural fear of people is considered a “problem bear” and will often have to be euthanized by park rangers. Proper food storage is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting the wildlife.
11. They try to get between a mother and her babies.
Perhaps the single most dangerous wildlife situation a person can put themselves in is to get between a mother animal and her young. This is true for almost any species, but it is especially dangerous with large mammals like bears, moose, and elk. The maternal protective instinct is one of the most powerful forces in nature.
Tourists who see a “cute” bear cub or a baby elk will often try to get closer for a photo, completely unaware that they are putting themselves between the baby and its highly protective and very dangerous mother. This is a mistake you may only get to make once.