Jackson Hole Instagram filter to promote safe distances for wildlife photography.
The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board has unveiled the Jackson Hole Instagram filter, an innovative solution to promote safe wildlife viewing and photography. As summer tourism peaks, the board has introduced “Selfie Control,” an Instagram filter designed to help visitors maintain safe distances when capturing images of local wildlife.
This new tool addresses a common challenge faced by both professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts: accurately gauging distances in the vast, open landscapes of areas like Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Erik Dombroski, chair of the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, explained, “It’s hard to tell if a moose or bison is 25 or 100 yards away just by ‘eyeballing’ it, especially in sprawling, wide-open spaces.”
The Jackson Hole Instagram filter, called the Selfie Control filter, serves as a digital measuring tool, preloaded with distance requirements for various wildlife native to Jackson Hole, including bison, bears, and moose. To use the filter, visitors search for the Selfie Control button on Instagram, select the appropriate animal icon, and align it with the animal in view. The photographer is too close for safety if the real animal appears larger than the icon.
This user-friendly Jackson Hole Instagram filter allows visitors to easily determine the proper distance for safe photography while still capturing memorable shots. Users can then step back to achieve the recommended safe distance, take their photo, and share it on Instagram by tagging @visitjacksonhole.
The initiative goes beyond merely providing a tool for tourists. It emphasizes that maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife is not just a suggestion but a requirement for visitor and animal safety alike. By integrating this safety measure into a popular social media platform, the board aims to reach a wide audience and promote responsible wildlife viewing practices.
The importance of this initiative is underscored by recent wildlife incident statistics. According to data from the National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, which borders Jackson Hole, reported 52 incidents of visitors being injured by wildlife between 2000 and 2015. Bison were responsible for more injuries than any other animal. In Grand Teton National Park, there were 65 human-wildlife conflicts reported in 2019 alone. These incidents often result from visitors approaching animals too closely, particularly while attempting to take photographs.
Crista Valentino, executive director of the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, emphasized the significance of these numbers: “Each of these incidents represents a failure to maintain safe distances from wildlife. Our Selfie Control filter aims to dramatically reduce these occurrences by giving visitors an easy-to-use tool to gauge appropriate distances.”
In a move demonstrating a commitment to wildlife conservation beyond its borders, Jackson Hole is making the Selfie Control filter an open-source solution. The board is sharing the filter’s files, allowing other destinations worldwide to customize the tool for their local wildlife. This approach could have far-reaching effects on wildlife safety across various tourist destinations.
Valentino expressed hope that the filter will benefit other wildlife-rich areas, stating, “We want to see the numbers of stunning wildlife images on the rise and incidents and accidents steeply decline.” This sentiment underscores the initiative’s dual goals: to enhance visitor experiences while prioritizing wildlife safety.
The Jackson Hole Instagram filter Selfie Control toolkit is now available for other destinations to access and adapt. Interested parties can visit the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board’s industry website to download the necessary files and instructions for customization.
As summer tourism increases, this initiative comes at a crucial time. By leveraging popular technology and social media trends, Jackson Hole is taking a proactive approach to wildlife conservation and visitor safety. The Jackson Hole Instagram filter not only provides a practical solution to a common problem but also raises awareness about the importance of responsible wildlife viewing.
Visitors to Jackson Hole can now find the Jackson Hole Instagram filter on Instagram, while fellow tourism destinations have the opportunity to create their own versions of the app. This collaborative approach to wildlife safety could set a new standard for responsible tourism in natural areas worldwide.
For those seeking more information about wildlife safety in Jackson Hole or details about the Jackson Hole Instagram filter initiative, resources are available on the VisitJacksonHole.com website and the destination’s Instagram page.
