What Not To Do When Close To Wildlife In Montana

People are planning their upcoming vacations, and many will be coming to Montana over the next several months.

So, consider this your annual Public Service Announcement of what not to do when visiting one of our National or State Parks.

Each year, millions come to Montana to see all of the beauty Big Sky Country has to offer. During their visit, they are likely to visit Yellowstone and or Glacier National Parks. There, they will be able to see some of the most breathtaking scenery, along with a pretty good chance of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.

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Of course, the desire to get close to get the "ultimate" selfie will no doubt be too much for some to handle, and because of that, people will get hurt that didn't need to get hurt, and those of us who live here will shake our heads.

Every year, the desire to get up close and personal with an animal that weighs three to four times as much as they do is something that some people can't resist.

I understand that for many, this is the first time you've ever seen wildlife in its natural habitat; however, it's not a petting zoo, and those creatures, as mentioned above, can not only seriously hurt you, but they can also end your life.

What to know when visiting Montana

I realize that I shouldn't have to put this in writing, but I do, because several folks out there simply can't grasp the concept of "Don't Put The Fluffy Cows". Oh, and it's not just the bison. It's all of the wildlife. Elk, Bears, Moose, Wolves, all of it.

So, in case you are unaware, here are the rules. When visiting Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks, you are to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals. In the case of bears and wolves, you are to stay at least 100 yards away.

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Remember, you're a guest in the animal's home. They live here, you're just visiting.