Jackson, Wyoming, Implements Innovative 'Selfie Control' to Protect Wildlife and Tourists

Jackson, Wyoming, a key entry point to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, is addressing the rising issue of tourists approaching dangerous wildlife for social media content. The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board has introduced a new Instagram filter called “selfie control,” designed to educate visitors about maintaining a safe distance from wild animals. The filter features a cyber silhouette of animals, warning users to stay back if the real animal is larger than the icon displayed. The board emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from various wildlife, advising that bears and other large animals should be observed from at least 100 yards away, while elk, moose, and bison require a minimum distance of 25 yards. Executive Director Crista Valentino highlighted the alarming trend of tourists disregarding these safety measures, often treating the natural environment like a zoo. This has led to an increase in dangerous encounters, including incidents where families have placed children on the backs of wild animals for photos. Recent incidents underscore the risks involved; an 83-year-old woman was gored by a bison last June while visiting Yellowstone, illustrating the potential dangers of close encounters. Valentino noted that such reckless behavior not only endangers tourists but also poses a threat to the animals, which may face injury or abandonment as a result of provoked attacks. The initiative aims to reduce these negative interactions and promote a safer experience for both visitors and wildlife.