When I was visiting Yellowstone; at one of the scenic places we stopped at, we saw a large buffalo sleeping near a small body of water maybe 30’ from the edge of the parking lot. Everyone in the parking lot was horrified at the sight of a man sitting cross legged at the edge of the parking lot, with his 2 very young daughters (3-4years) on either knee trying to take a selfie with the buffalo behind him. The buffalo did open his eyes when the girls started squealing. Some people were quietly trying to tell the man he shouldn’t be there. Most stayed silent because we were afraid we might upset the buffalo. It was a very intense stressful moment. Someone went to get a park ranger. We were all happy it didn’t take long, maybe 5mins, for the ranger to get there. She was great calmly getting the gentleman to get up and away from where he was, while also explaining the rules and regulations of the park. She was also good at calming the rest of us as well, relieved that the situation was taken care of and no one got hurt. Things could have got out of hand if the ranger wasn’t there. I was very grateful she was there! I will never forget that day.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“I am a huge supporter of the Plant and all she has to offer us. Having the National Parks is like saving the planet. The Parks are saving a way of life that is free, natural, and yes Wild and wonderfully amazing. Some wildlife would be extinct if not for the parks. I think many, forget that or just don’t know. If we can’t take care of our planet and wildlife, we as people will not survive. No planet no people. ”
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