Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming — Visitors at Yellowstone National Park were left outraged after witnessing a drone allegedly harass a grizzly bear and her two cubs, raising concerns about wildlife safety and violations of federal park regulations.
The incident reportedly occurred in the northwestern section of the park and was captured on video by a visitor who had originally been filming the bears from a safe distance.
Drone Seen Flying Near Mother Bear and Cubs
According to reports, Idaho Falls resident Don Johnson recorded footage of a drone flying unusually close to a grizzly bear and her two cubs on May 14 at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The video reportedly shows a white drone hovering near the animals while visitors watched from a distance. As concerns grew among onlookers, some people attempted to determine who was operating the drone.
In the footage, one frustrated visitor can be heard shouting:
“Who has a drone?”
Johnson later explained that he was initially focused on filming the bears and did not immediately realize a drone was nearby.
“I didn’t even notice the drone at the time,” he said. “I didn’t pay any attention to it until I heard a ranger yell out something about a drone, and by then I was done filming.”
Visitors Reportedly Outraged by Incident
Johnson said many visitors who witnessed the encounter were upset by what they saw. According to his account, dozens of people gathered in the area expressed frustration and concern over the apparent disturbance of the bear family.
“Madder than hell,” was how Johnson described the reaction of many nearby parkgoers.
Wildlife experts frequently warn that disturbing mother bears with young cubs can create dangerous situations, both for the animals and for people nearby.
Yellowstone Officials Stress Drone Ban
A spokesperson for Yellowstone National Park told media outlets that officials had not received an official report about the incident.
However, park representatives emphasized that drone use is prohibited throughout U.S. national parks.
“We strongly encourage visitors that witness illegal activity in Yellowstone National Park to immediately report it to park law enforcement so officers can respond, investigate and identify those responsible right away while stopping the illegal behavior,” the spokesperson said.
Officials also stressed the dangers drones can pose to wildlife.
“Flying a drone near wildlife is not only illegal, it can cause unnecessary stress to animals, disrupt natural behavior, separate mothers from their young, and create unsafe conditions for both wildlife and visitors.”
Bears Deserve Space and Respect, Officials Say
Park authorities reiterated that wildlife should never be approached, harassed or disturbed.
“Visitors should never use drones, approach wildlife, or engage in any behavior that could harass, disturb, or endanger animals,” the spokesperson said.
Officials further reminded visitors that Yellowstone’s bears are wild animals that require adequate space and respect.
The National Park Service has prohibited recreational drone use in national parks since 2014 due to concerns about visitor safety, staff operations and wildlife protection.
Violators Can Face Serious Penalties
According to the National Park Service, violating the drone ban is considered a misdemeanor offense. Individuals caught illegally operating drones within national parks can face penalties of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
While recreational drone use remains prohibited, the agency is permitted to use drones for limited official purposes, including search-and-rescue missions, firefighting operations, scientific research and aerial documentation.
The incident comes as Yellowstone officials continue urging visitors to remain cautious around bears, particularly during warmer months when wildlife activity increases.
“It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife,” the National Park Service stated. “Remember that wildlife in parks is wild and can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.”
What do you think should happen to visitors who illegally use drones near wildlife in national parks? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
