YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – Officials from Yellowstone reached out Saturday to remind photographers how to safely get the best shots of the many wildlife encounters that can occur in the park, such as grizzlies and wolves fighting over food sources. 

The first step in capturing the moment, according to the park, is to zoom with the camera lens, not your feet. Park rules are to keep a distance of 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 m) from all other wildlife.

While some of Yellowstone’s wildlife can withstand crossing through geothermal features, humans cannot. It’s important to stay on the boardwalk and behind fences to capture any pictures as boiling water is often just below the thin surface. 

Using pullouts to stop and take pictures, rather than blocking the roadway, and carrying bear spray are more ways the park advises keeping safe while taking some memories home both from the roadway or in the backcountry. 

Lastly, cameras and cell phones are acceptable ways to take pictures in the park, but drones are still not permitted anywhere in Yellowstone, the park reminds.