New Filter Aims to Educate Tourists on Wildlife Etiquette and Selfie Safety

The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board has recently introduced a new open-source photo filter for smartphone users called „Selfie Control.“ This innovative photo filter, available on Instagram, is designed to help individuals maintain safe distances when viewing and photographing wildlife. The primary goal of this filter is to protect both people and wild animals from potentially dangerous encounters, especially in popular tourist destinations like Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

One of the main reasons for developing the Selfie Control filter is to address the issue of „tourons,“ individuals who exhibit reckless behavior when trying to capture selfies with wild animals. These incidents not only pose a threat to human safety but also disrupt the natural behavior of wildlife. By promoting responsible wildlife viewing practices, the photo filter aims to reduce the number of negative interactions between visitors and animals in protected areas.

The Jackson Hole area, known for its diverse wildlife population, serves as an ideal testing ground for the Selfie Control filter. With a high influx of tourists during the summer months, it is crucial to educate visitors about the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries. According to a study published in One Health, bison-related injuries are a common occurrence in Yellowstone National Park, with a significant percentage of incidents occurring during photography attempts.

Recognizing the potential impact of the Selfie Control filter beyond Jackson Hole, the software developers have created a digital toolkit for users to customize the filter based on the wildlife species in their region. This initiative aims to extend the benefits of the photo filter to other wildlife destinations across the country, promoting safe and responsible wildlife viewing practices among visitors.

The Selfie Control filter comes preloaded with safe viewing distances for iconic species like bears, bison, and moose. Users can easily download the Instagram filter and point their phone at the animal they wish to photograph. An outline of the animal’s icon will appear on the screen, indicating whether the user is within a safe distance or needs to move back for better viewing.

In alignment with the guidelines provided by the National Park Service, the general rule of thumb for wildlife viewing is to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards, with increased distances for predators like bears. The Selfie Control filter serves as a practical tool for visitors to accurately gauge the appropriate viewing distance, ensuring their safety and the well-being of the wildlife they encounter.

Overall, the introduction of the Selfie Control filter represents a significant step towards promoting responsible tourism practices and wildlife conservation. By leveraging technology to educate and empower visitors, the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board aims to create a safer and more sustainable environment for both people and wildlife in natural habitats.