Bison Selfies And Boiling Water Are Why Yellowstone Made This Pledge

I'm fairly certain that at some point over the last few years, you've probably almost given yourself a concussion from facepalming after reading about, seeing a video, or hearing a story about an unfortunate Touron incident at Yellowstone National Park.

Shoot, there's even an entire Social Media page dedicated to those incidents. The Tourons Of National Parks. Sure, the title is "of National Parks," but Yellowstone usually ranks among the top.

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I know I have. It's tragic to see issues rise, and sometimes people get hurt, or even worse, but if a pool of water is steaming and you stick your hand in it, or a bison is sniffing around and you get too close, you're probably going to be one of those statistics.

It's been a while since I went into the park, but I don't remember them making me pledge not to do anything stupid, but there is a pledge for just that reason. The park has the Yellowstone Pledge, and I think you should have to recite it upon entry, and if you break one of the commandments, you're toast.

How do you take the pledge? It's simple. Recite these words with your right hand raised:

I pledge to protect Yellowstone National Park. I will act responsibly and safely, set a good example for others, and share my love of the park and all the things that make it special.

The most important part is to abide by that pledge. 

• Give wildlife room, use a zoom.
• Follow the beaten path.
• Be bear aware.
• Watch out for water.
• Practice safe selfies.
• Enjoy the ride.
• Leave your drone at home.
• Clean, Drain, Dry.
• Stash your trash.
• Leave what you find.

#10 was even highlighted on the park's Facebook page.

Visiting Yellowstone, or any other National Treasure, is exciting. Sometimes, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but please, take the pledge and behave.