This Instagram filter warns you when you’re too close to wild animals
Aug 7, 2024
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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The age of the selfie has brought with it a surge in wildlife encounters gone wrong. Driven by a desire for the perfect shot, many tourists and photographers alike disregard essential safety protocols. But believe it or not, a new Instagram filter could change that. The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board has developed a filter to warn you when you get too close to wild animals.
Known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Jackson Hole has become a hotspot for both nature enthusiasts and, unfortunately, those who lack respect for the wild. The town has witnessed its fair share of incidents involving tourists getting too close to animals for that “coveted photo op”perfect” shot.
The board has developed the Instagram filter to address this issue and protect both wildlife and visitors. This augmented reality tool is designed to educate users about safe wildlife viewing distances. Simply one your camera on Instagram, select an animal icon—grizzly bear, bison, elk, moose, or black bear—and overlay it on your camera screen. If the real animal appears larger than the icon, it’s a clear sign to back off.
This is probably the first useful Instagram filter I’ve ever seen. It’s a simple yet effective way to promote responsible wildlife viewing .”Always view wildlife from a distance. Give bears, other large carnivores, and large nesting birds at least 100 yards of space,” the Board writes on its website. “Give all other animals, including bison, elk, and moose, at least 25 yards of space.”
Of course, while the filter is a fantastic tool, it’s essential to remember that it’s just one part of the solution. Respecting wildlife involves more than just keeping a safe distance. “It includes understanding animal behavior, following local regulations, and being mindful of the impact your presence has on the environment. “Limit disturbance to wildlife and avoid surprise encounters,” the Board continues. “Never scare or chase wildlife. Be patient, find alternate routes, or turn around in order to give wildlife space.”
“Wildlife are at home here in the Tetons, even if it’s on the side of the road or trail,” the Board concludes. “Humans are just guests.”
[via Matador Network]
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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One response to “This Instagram filter warns you when you’re too close to wild animals”
1. An easier method is the “rule of thumb.” Hold your hand at arm’s length with your thumb extended. If it doesn’t cover the entire animal, you’re too close.
2. Jackson Hole is not a friend of photography. They’re the same people who don’t like people geotagging their photos.