Nature lovers are urging national park visitors to have greater respect for wildlife as videos of overly curious tourists — commonly known as "tourons" — have been circulating on social media.
Tourons are considered to be tourists who are disrespectful to the rules and regulations of national parks, often putting themselves or wildlife in harm's way for a photo.
A post shared by Tourons of National Parks (@touronsofnationalparks) showed a large group of tourists standing just feet away from two large moose at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
The video captured several tourists attempting to take videos or photos of the wild animals as they grazed on the greenery around them. The park visitor who took the video revealed they were quite worried about how close the group of tourists were to the animals.
"Trying to maintain at least 30 yards away," the visitor told the Instagram account. "I did yell at the group standing there notifying them they were way too close as the moose kept approaching … wish I was still recording. The tourons really are so disheartening to observe."
National park employees have urged tourists to keep a distance of at least 25 yards away from moose at all times. Older moose are known to be protective of their young, endangering humans and other animals.
Officials have also warned that, unlike other animals, moose can blend well into their habitat and environment, such as forested areas. This can make it more difficult for humans to see them and makes it more important for park visitors to be aware of their surroundings. Getting too close to the moose can startle the wildlife, causing them to charge and potentially harm those nearby.
National parks provide some of the best landscapes and views of nature throughout the United States. But, it is important to respect the wildlife and animals that reside in these areas to keep them and us safe. By sticking to designated paths, visitors can also better protect the areas where these animals live, helping support the surrounding ecosystem.
Commenters on the post were left frustrated by how close the tourists got to the wild moose.
"So scary. Moose are so fast!" one wrote.
"Play at their own risk. Let them play," another said. "Sometimes playing hurts and you learn. Shaming is just dumb behavior no matter what."
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