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National Park Service (NPS) rangers have cited a man after he was caught on video approaching a pack of wolves at Yellowstone National Park and spraying them with an unknown substance. The video shows the man hopping toward the wolves, seemingly taunting them as they initially retreated. When the wolves began running toward him, he sprayed the substance in their direction.
The man's actions have raised concerns about the safety of both the animals and park visitors. While the incident is still under investigation, NPS officials have not reported any harm to the wolves. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was tracked down and cited by park rangers.
In response to the incident, the NPS emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. "Wolves may look beautiful, even fluffy from a distance, and that is part of their appeal. But they are still powerful wild predators, and treating them like pets puts both visitors and the animals at risk," the NPS stated to Fox News. They urged visitors to use zoom lenses instead of approaching animals and reminded them that human interaction can disrupt wildlife behavior and lead to dangerous encounters.