Things You Should Never Do in Wyoming, According to a Local

Some tourists get so excited to see Jackson’s moose, elk, and bears that they forget they’re wild animals.

One of the most magical experiences that comes with exploring Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks is the opportunity to see wildlife up close. That said, there are close encounters, and then there are too-close-for-comfort encounters.

I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been in utter disbelief as I watched families, with children in hand, walk straight up to bison, moose, elk, and even bears. These are wild animals, and Jackson Hole is not a zoo where you’re protected by barriers. 

Every year, people are maimed, gored, and trampled because they either don’t think about danger or assume that nothing bad will happen to them. 

It’s also worth pointing out that you should never feed wild animals. It can lead them to become habituated, dependent, aggressive, and dangerous — all things that can result in getting them killed. 

Enjoy the best parts of Wyoming’s nature, but always prioritize your safety and the wildlife’s safety.