Jake: Hi everyone, I’m Ranger Jake!
Ashton: And I’m Ranger Ashton.
Jake: Welcome to Yellowstone -- the world’s FIRST national park.
Ashton: And thanks for tuning in! We have some great tips to help keep you safe, plan, and enjoy your visit.
Jake: The entrance fee is $35, payable by credit card, which admits you to Yellowstone for 7 days. If you’re sitting in line and have cell coverage, you can buy your pass at go dot N P S dot gov forward slash Yell fees. If you’ve already paid the entrance fee, have your receipt ready. With that pre-paid receipt, you can re-enter the park without being charged again. You can also get a Yellowstone annual pass for $70 or the interagency annual pass for $80. We have lots of other passes available, too. Just ask at the entrance station for more information.
Ashton: Because Yellowstone’s a popular place, you should expect crowds, traffic, and long lines, especially around some of the park’s main attractions.
Jake: That’s why we say, “Pack Your Patience.” Be patient with yourself, your family, and the people around you.
Ashton: We have several ongoing road improvement projects that can cause travel delays. Check our newspaper or website for details. But that’s not the only thing that can slow you down. Wildlife jams are major sources of driving delays.
Jake: A wildlife jam is a traffic jam that happens when people stop or slow down to look at animals. If you find yourself in one, keep your eyes on the road, and do NOT stop in the middle of the road. If you want to stop, find a pullout. They are the best places to watch and take pictures of animals. And if you can’t find a pullout, you must park with all four tires outside the white line.
Ashton: When you’re exploring the park, please listen to the rangers out there! In congested areas they may ask you to stay in your car or keep moving along. They want to keep you, other visitors, AND wildlife safe.
Jake: To go fishing or boating in the park, you’ll need a Yellowstone permit. You can get a fishing permit online at recreation dot gov, in surrounding communities, and at any visitor center, backcountry permit office, or general store inside the park. Make sure you read the fishing regulations because they change depending on where you are and what you’re fishing for. Boating permits require an inspection – please ask where you can get your boat inspected.
Ashton: Now, let’s talk about safety for a minute. Safety point number one: No selfies with wildlife. Animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, and every year people are injured when an animal becomes aggressive because a person gets too close. People need to observe wildlife from a distance — stay 100 yards or 91 meters away from wolves and bears – basically, the length of a football field, and 25 yards or 23 meters away from all other animals, ESPECIALLY bison and elk.
Jake: Safety point number two: We’re in bear country. Travel in groups of at least three or more, be alert when you’re hiking, and when you’re in blind spots along the trail, make some noise! It’s important to carry bear spray AND know how to use it. Bear spray has been shown to be over 90% effective in deterring bear attacks. You can buy bear and rent spray in the park.
Ashton: And safety point number three: stay on the boardwalks and trails when exploring the park’s geyser basins. The ground in these thermal areas is thin and fragile AND there might be boiling water or mud right under the surface. Some thermal features are hot enough to burn you, and those burns can be serious or even fatal.
Jake: If you plan to use a cellphone or mobile device while you’re here, be aware that cell coverage and Wi-Fi connectivity is limited and can be extremely slow. If you do have an emergency, however, dial 9-1-1 from any telephone inside the park.
Ashton: Yellowstone is a special place and it belongs to all of us, including future generations. The National Park Service works hard to protect the park. And to do that, we really need your help. The best way to start is by taking the Yellowstone Pledge.
Jake: The Yellowstone Pledge is a personal promise that you make to yourself and the park. Share your photos with us using hashtag #YellowstonePledge and encourage others to do the same. How you visit the park makes a difference. Learn more about the Yellowstone Pledge at go dot n-p-s dot gov forward slash Yellowstone pledge.
Ashton: Thanks for all you do to protect this amazing place. And if you are just joining us, stay tuned. Stay safe and have a great time out there!
