Jim Cole wildlife photographer and Author was mauled for the second time in his life and has a history of getting close (maybe to close) and was cited by park rangers in the past for this behavior. Park Rangers at Yellowstone are investigating the latest mauling that happened in the back country of Yellowstone. Mr. Cole after the mauling by a sow with a cub was able to hike 3 miles out to get help. He was latter air lifted to a hospital in Idaho for severe facial injuries but is in stable condition.
One mauling in a lifetime I would think is more then enough never mind two. At this point we don’t know if Jim Cole was at fault in this attack but photographers need to be careful when working with any wild animal and follow ethical guidelines;
Environmental: knowledge of subject and place
• Learn patterns of animal behavior–know when not to interfere with animals’ life cycles.
• Respect the routine needs of animals–remember that others will attempt to photograph them, too.
• Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals–if an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer lens.
• Acquaint yourself with the fragility of the ecosystem–stay on trails that are intended to lessen impact.
Even amateur photographers and wildlife observers need to follow these guidelines, it’s amazing how often I observe people approaching creatures within the parks like they are pets or domestic animals instead of respecting them as wildlife.
Any of the photographs I take I use a long lenses and any close ups are the result of the animal approaching me and not the other way around.
Photos I took in Alaska
