Wildlife comes first, photographers second

Reading the article about Glacier National Park’s wildlife viewing regulations in the last issue of the Hungry Horse News left me a bit agitated. The first reaction from many people seems to be “what about me.”

The first and foremost consideration should be about the wildlife, not about someone’s ability to get the snapshot they want. So yes, Mr. Bynum and Mr. Stolte, if possible to do so, you should leave or at least get out of the way. Wildlife must have the right-of-way at all times. Remember, you are a guest in their realm.

When the formation of the Glacier National Park was being considered, and for many years after the Park was established, the tag line for Glacier was “America’s Newest National Playground.” This set a bad and harmful precedence.

The public was given to believe that this area was set aside exclusively for their entertainment and exploitation. Perhaps that attitude from over 100 years ago can be forgiven. In that time, conservation, preservation, wildlife and wilderness management were just beginning, and the learning curve was very steep.

Sadly, the attitudes of 100 years ago are obviously still prevalent in many of those who visit the Park today, although they certainly should know better by now. In the 40-plus years I have been visiting Glacier Park, I have witnessed some extraordinarily egregious and idiotic examples of wildlife harassment and, I would go so far as to say, abuse.

Many instances where obviously intentional, while others were somewhat incidental in nature — neither was appropriate or acceptable. I put a stop to this activity whenever possible, and I think perpetrators of such acts should be, at a minimum, permanently banned from the Park. There is no excuse for such behavior — period.

Glacier Park is not anyone’s private zoo or “playground.” Glacier Park is a wilderness area which we have the privilege of having relatively easy access to. If you cannot restrain yourself in your conduct while in the Park and exhibit in your actions an appropriate level of respect for where you are, then you should explore other venues for your outdoor activities, that is stay out of the Park.

It is rather a sad circumstance when human arrogance reaches a point that such regulations become necessary. In my opinion, the imposition of such stringent regulations is long overdue. I applaud Glacier Park officials for taking this action.

Kevin McCready lives in Whitefish.