An Instagram video is sparking outrage after a bystander captured tourists blocking a main road in Grand Teton National Park to photograph a grizzly bear, creating a dangerous situation for people and wildlife.
The clip was shared by Tourons of National Parks (@touronsofnationalparks), an account that documents unsafe visitor behavior in protected public lands. The term "touron" is a blend of "tourist" and "moron," commonly used online to describe visitors who ignore basic safety rules in national parks.
In this case, the caption read, "More tourons in the Tetons!"
The video shows multiple vehicles stopped on a road with little room to drive around them. Visitors exit their cars to photograph a grizzly bear at close range.
According to the person filming, the situation dragged on for hours.
"No ranger around yet," their quote in the caption read. "2 hrs later still like this and then 4 rangers. People just abandon their cars."
According to Grand Teton National Park and National Park Service guidance, visitors are required to stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away from bears and wolves — roughly the length of a football field. That distance exists because bears are fast, unpredictable, and can interpret close human presence as a threat.
Beyond the danger to people, these encounters can have lasting consequences for wildlife. Animals that injure humans — even when provoked — are often euthanized, meaning risky behavior can result in the loss of healthy animals protected by the park.
Similar incidents have been reported in recent years at parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Tourists have been filmed approaching bison and elk despite clear warnings.
The video quickly drew strong reactions from viewers.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 One commenter wrote, "Note to self, keep windows rolled up and stay in the car in Grizzly territory."
Another added, "And the grizzly would be destroyed if it charged, and injured a human."
A third expressed frustration at the recurring pattern, saying, "When will they ever learn … poor Beautiful Being."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
