“Tourons of Yellowstone” Documents Incredible Incidents of Tourist Misbehavior

While most visitors come to Yellowstone with good intentions, there is a growing concern about the detrimental impact of a minority who fail to respect the park’s delicate ecosystems and the rules put in place for their protection.

One Instagram account, called touronsofyellowstone, documents these incidents of tourism misbehavior. Whether the priority is public shaming, education, or a bit of both, the level of stupidity displayed by parkgoers boggles the mind. 

 

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One of the most alarming issues in recent years is the disregard for safety regulations. Yellowstone is home to numerous geothermal features, such as the famous Old Faithful geyser. Tragically, some tourists have ventured off designated paths and barriers to get closer to these geysers, risking their lives and causing damage to the fragile geothermal formations.

In July of 2022, a 70-year-old California man died after entering the Abyss hot springs pool located in Yellowstone’s West Thumb Geyser Basin. The only evidence of his death were found a month later when a shoe and part of a foot were found floating in the 53-foot-deep hot spring.

 

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Another issue that has gained attention is the harassment of wildlife. Yellowstone is home to a diverse range of animals, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Tourists often underestimate the speed and strength of these creatures, leading to dangerous encounters when they get too close to them in an attempt to capture the perfect photograph.

Feeding wildlife is also a common problem, as it habituates animals to human food, making them more aggressive and less self-sufficient. In some instances, this behavior has led to the euthanization of animals deemed a threat to public safety.

When in doubt, follow our Leave No Trace Tips.