Mount Rainier Tourists Crowd Within Feet of Black Bear for Photos

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 24

A crowd at Mount Rainier National Park moved to within a few feet of a wild black bear last week, gathering along a trail to film and photograph it.
The footage prompted fresh safety warnings because visitors are supposed to keep at least 25 yards from large animals, not treat park encounters like a zoo exhibit.
Casey Anderson, reacting to separate Yellowstone footage of a bison charging a child, said tourists still underestimate how quickly wild animals can turn dangerous.
The Mount Rainier episode ended without injuries, but the close approach underscored a recurring problem for park officials as visitors keep ignoring wildlife-distance rules.