You Should Help Enforce Rules at National Parks. Call Me a Tattletale, But Here’s Why I Do It.

Article Summary: 

• It’s common to see national park visitors break obvious rules, such as getting too close to wildlife and venturing off-trail. 
• However, some guidelines are more nuanced, like why you should source firewood locally and not build cairns. 
• I think educated visitors should respectfully say something if they see others neglecting rules, especially because National Park Service staffing has declined in recent years. 

There’s no denying that the country’s national parks are enchanting. They allow many visitors the opportunity to explore never-before-seen places and witness unfamiliar creatures. It’s a thrilling experience — so much so that some get caught up in the excitement and forget rules altogether. 

You’ve probably seen the headlines and videos. Someone tries to pet a fluffy cow despite warnings to stay far away from the bison. Another jumps a fence and nearly falls into a canyon. A group breaks a delicate rock formation or tries soaking in a boiling hot spring. 

We laugh at the “tourons of national parks” because we think, how idiotic. How obvious not to approach wildlife or risk your safety. Yet you’d be surprised by the number of people who lose all sense of rationale at the sight of a momma bear and two cubs. I watched a Yellowstone ranger deal with that crowd and the poor man looked like he was about to have a nervous breakdown. 

Fortunately, the large majority of visitors know and do better — and most are good about following other obvious rules, too. For example, littering and vandalism are things we learn not to do in urban environments. Refraining from the same when outdoors is a given. 

But in fairness, some tourists may not be familiar with the more nuanced guidelines. I speak from personal experience. 

Before moving from Chicago to Colorado eight years ago, I had never hiked in wild places. I didn’t understand the impact of taking “shortcuts” on trails or that leaving orange peels behind is a no-no. I had no idea that building cairns is frowned upon or why someone wouldn’t want to say hello to my off-leash pup. 

But here’s your opportunity to learn from my and others’ mistakes. 

3 Key Ways to Protect National Parks and Reasons to Follow the Rules

Keep Your Distance from Wildlife and Never Feed the Animals

The majority of national parks require visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from most wildlife. This includes elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and moose. For reference, a school bus is about 35 yards in length.

Give predatory animals like bears and wolves at least 100 yards of space, which is nearly the length of a football field. 

It’s also important to never feed the animals. This includes birds and cute creatures like squirrels and chipmunks that are likely to approach you. Unfortunately, many have become accustomed to receiving food from humans.

These rules are in place for your safety, as many wild animals are dangerous and territorial. But these rules also protect the local wildlife. 

Feeding animals can cause unnatural behaviors, illness, and even death. Deaths can also occur due to visitor negligence. No one wants another horrendous story about a baby buffalo being euthanized because of a park visitor who failed to follow the “look, don’t touch” rule. 

Stay on Trails and Follow Closures 

When you enter Rocky Mountain National Park (and many other parks), you receive a pamphlet that clearly states not to go off-trail. There’s even posted signage repeating the message in some areas. Yet, on my most recent visit, I saw multiple visitors disregard the rule. 

For example, I watched three people jump a fence to get a different perspective of a waterfall. They did so despite clearly visible signs saying “Warning: strong, swift water — keep out.” Fortunately, this group didn’t fall in. But had they, the rescue would have taken away from valuable park resources, ones that should be reserved for far less negligent behavior. 

Also on that trip, I saw multiple groups step off the trail and onto the delicate tundra. Per the National Park Service, recovery from this erosion may take hundreds of years. The parks are in place to protect these ecosystems and all visitors should do their part. Future generations will want to enjoy them, too. 

Note that exploration off-trail is allowed at certain national parks, including Badlands in South Dakota and Mount Rainier in Washington. Read up on the rules before visiting any park so you know what’s permissible and where. 

Leave No Trace 

“Leave no trace” may sound straightforward — don’t vandalize or litter, right? Those are the key principles but there are some nuanced guidelines that expand outside of dropping trash and tagging rocks with your Instagram handle. 

Non-profit organization Leave No Trace has a free course that dives deeper into outdoor ethics and how to protect the environment. I highly recommend that every outdoor enthusiast familiarize themselves with these principles, which include: 

Don’t take what you find. 

Pocketing a pretty rock may seem insignificant. But the national parks saw over 300 million visitors last year [source]. If everyone took a little something, it would compound into a major issue, as every part of the landscape supports the life within it. 

Plus, it takes away from the parks’ beauty, which everyone should be entitled to enjoy. Similarly, you should not build structures, cairns included.

Get rid of waste properly.

I’m not talking landfill vs. recycling. When outdoors, you need to pack out all trash, leftover food, and sometimes… your own waste, including toilet paper. 

When you can dig a cathole, it should be 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from trails, campsites, and waterways. Also, be sure to wash dishes at least 200 feet from waterways, and always strain your dishwater and pack out scraps. 

Pitch tents at campsites. 

Established trails, rock, dry grass, and snow are also suitable surfaces. Similar to staying on-trail, setting up camp in delicate areas can cause erosion and damage vegetation. Additionally, to protect riparian zones, camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. 

Keep campfires small and use local wood. 

A wise bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires!” Always observe posted fire dangers. When campfires are allowed and established rings are available, use them. 

You should also source your wood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species. Be sure to burn the wood completely and really make sure the fire goes out — I’ve been shocked several times when fires have sprung back. Once cool, scatter the ashes.

So, What Do You Do If You See Someone Breaking a Rule at a National Park?

I shared a few examples of poor visitor behavior that I’ve personally witnessed and believe me, I could tell you many more stories. In my opinion, if you see something, you should say something. I do every time the situation allows.

Most of the time, I’ll get a confused look. I truly think that many visitors don’t understand the importance of these rules, nor their individual impact. Once in a while, I’ll get an irritated look — no chip off my shoulder. Either way, calling out their behavior gets them to stop. 

On more rare occasions, someone will ask me why they shouldn’t do something. This almost always relates to feeding animals. Again, I think people mean well and simply want to care for the chubby, friendly squirrels. 

Here’s what the National Park Service says on the topic: “Animals that eat our snacks can get full off the wrong foods and stop eating the nutrients they need to survive.” The article adds, “Animals that rely on human foods can stop naturally hunting or foraging and starve.” 

What happens when nearly all of the national park visitors clear in the winter season? Our tiny friends won’t survive. Serve that logic up to a visitor and I guarantee any good person will stop. 

Calling out missteps isn’t about trying to be the best do-gooder in the park. It’s about protecting visitors, wildlife, and the beautiful landscapes we cherish. 

The reality is that the National Park Service is severely understaffed. A recent press release published by the National Parks Conservation Association states, “Between 2012 and 2022, visitation grew by 10% while staffing declined by 13%. Today, the Park Service has 2,600 fewer staff than in 2011.” 

There aren’t enough rangers keeping an eye on the trails. So in my opinion, it’s up to educated visitors to support those less familiar with outdoor stewardship. Assume the best in people, approach them with kindness, and be confident. 

There’s no shame in doing all you can to protect what you love.