Test Your Knowledge: Yellowstone Wildlife Survival Quiz

As we head into another season of outdoor travel and adventure, it’s a good time to go over some do’s and don’ts when visiting national parks. Unfortunately, despite ample documentation on websites, social media, signs in the parks, and even Instagram feeds like #touronsofyellowstone, several visitors to Yellowstone and other national parks across the US seem to ignore the fact that wild animals deserve to be appreciated from afar.

To help you prep for a visit to Yellowstone, we came up with this quick multiple-choice quiz to get you ready for a safe season of exploring nature at our national parks. Answer the questions and improve your odds of walking away from your Yellowstone vacation in one piece.

What's the recommended way to take a selfie with a bison at Yellowstone?

1. A) With a wide-angle lens from at least 25 yards away, ensuring there's a fast car between you and the bison.
2. B) Sneak up quietly behind the bison and whisper sweet nothings to ensure it stays calm for the photo.
3. C) Stay at least 25 yards away, respecting wildlife space and safety regulations.

 Answer: B) Sneak up quietly behind the bison: Because everyone knows that bison appreciate good conversation and personal space is a myth.

 You see a beautiful elk across the field and decide it's your moment to shine on social media. How do you proceed?

1. A) Use a zoom lens from a safe distance to capture its majesty.
2. B) Put on your best elk costume and attempt to integrate into the herd for a close-up.
3. C) Approach the elk to offer it a snack for the perfect selfie pose.

 Answer: B) Blend in with a costume: Blending in is key in nature photography. Bonus points if you perfect the elk call and become the herd's new leader.

 A bear is spotted while you're hiking. You've always wanted a bear in your Instagram feed. What's the next step?

1. A) Never run from a bear but put as much distance between you and the bear as possible. You want to maintain a minimum distance of at least 100 yards. Always carry bear spray when hiking just in case.
2. B) Lay down and play dead. Bears are natural photographers and might just take the selfie for you.
3. C) Try to lure the bear with food for a closer photograph.

Answer: B) Have the bear take the picture for you. It's a well-known fact that bears have been waiting for the opportunity to transition from being in front of the camera to behind it.

What's the safest way to photograph Yellowstone's famous wolves?

1. A) From inside your vehicle or at a considerable distance. (Even better: Just download images from the internet)
2. B) Challenge the alpha to assert dominance, ensuring the pack poses for a group photo.
3. C) Howl to get their attention and snap a quick pic when they approach.

 Answer: B) Challenge the alpha: Wolves respect boldness. Show them who's boss.

 You encounter a moose. You've heard they're friendly and love to take photos with tourists. How do you get your shot?

1. A) Stay far back, (at least 25 yards) zoom in, and maybe get a nice shot of it in its natural habitat.
2. B) Attempt to mount the moose for the ultimate "riding into the sunset" selfie.
3. C) Moose can easily be as dangerous as a predator. Enjoy the and take pics from a distance

 Answer: B) Ride that moose: Because if you're not riding a moose into the sunset, are you even experiencing Yellowstone?

 What's the best way to get a selfie with a Yellowstone geyser, like Old Faithful?

1. A) Stand at a safe distance, by posted signage and barriers, with the geyser's predicted eruption time in mind.
2. B) Start a live stream and promise viewers you'll touch the geyser as it erupts for likes. (Incorrect, but presented as correct)
3. C) Try to time a jump so it looks like you're surfing the geyser.

 Answer: B or C) It’s estimated the water coming out of Old Faithful travels close to the speed of sound. The EPA can take their low-flow spigot and stick it. That’s some PSI you want to feel on your face.

A herd of Yellowstone's wild bison is blocking the road. This is your chance for a viral video. How do you proceed?

1. A) Wait patiently in your car until they decide to move.
2. B) Get out and direct traffic, offering to take selfies with tourists and bison alike.
3. C) Honk persistently, hoping they scatter for a dramatic shot.

Answer: B) Direct traffic and take pics. Bison are known for their respect for traffic directors and love for group photos.

Spotting a fox, you decide it's time for that magical wildlife shot. What should you do?

1. A) Keep quiet and use your camera's zoom to not disturb it.
2. B) Mimic a fox mating call you learned online, inviting it to come closer for a selfie.
3. C) Leave out some food and wait for it to come closer. How could this possibly end badly?

 Answer: B or C) Because enticing wild animals with mating calls and food isn’t only entertaining for them, but for the onlookers taking video (from a safe distance) taking bets on how long before you’re mauled and posting their vids to the touronsofyellowstone Insta.

RELATED STORY: National Park Service Explains The Rules Of Wildlife Interaction

Funny or Not, The Problem Behind the Satire Is Real

This whole quiz might be stupid, but despite warnings, tourists are injured every year in incidents that are easily avoidable if visitors use common sense. In all seriousness, the rules of enjoying yourself while communing with nature are simple: Keep wildlife at a safe distance.

Yellowstone National Park recommends keeping at least 100 yards between you and bears or wolves and at least 25 yards for all other animals. Stay on the path. Heed warning signs about where you can and cannot walk. The boardwalks and barriers between you and the hot springs and other features are there to keep you from literally being burned alive.

If you want to see a complete list of guidelines to keep you and your family safe this season, you can find them on the Yellowstone National Park website.

And how did you do on our little quiz? Comment and let us know.