Visitor Caught on Camera Spraying Substance at Yellowstone Wolves, Rangers Say

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Park rangers at Yellowstone National Park reported that a visitor was recorded on video approaching a pack of wild wolves and spraying them with an unidentified substance, officials said Wednesday.

The incident, captured by surveillance cameras within the park, raised concerns among National Park Service (NPS) personnel about the potential harm to the wolves and the violation of park regulations designed to protect wildlife.

According to authorities, the individual was seen deliberately moving close to the wolves before applying the substance, the nature of which remains unknown. Rangers have launched an investigation to determine the identity of the visitor and the composition of the material used.

“We take any interference with wildlife very seriously,” a park spokesperson said. “Yellowstone’s wolves are protected under federal law, and approaching or disturbing them is prohibited.”

The park’s wolf population is a key part of Yellowstone’s ecosystem and has been closely monitored since their reintroduction in the 1990s. Officials expressed concern that exposure to unknown chemicals could pose health risks to the animals or disrupt their natural behavior.

Visitors to Yellowstone are reminded to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and to follow park guidelines that prohibit feeding, approaching, or otherwise disturbing animals. Rangers emphasized that such rules are critical to ensuring the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

The NPS is coordinating with law enforcement to identify the individual involved and to assess any potential legal actions. No injuries to the wolves have been reported, but the investigation is ongoing.

Yellowstone officials also noted that the incident underscores the importance of public awareness about respecting wildlife and the fragile balance of the park’s environment.

The park continues to encourage visitors to report any suspicious or harmful behavior toward wildlife to rangers immediately. Surveillance and monitoring efforts have been increased in areas frequented by wolves to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.