Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/jackson-hole-instagram-filter/
Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board has launched an innovative Instagram filter aimed at safeguarding both tourists and wildlife.
This new tool, named “Selfie Control,” is designed to help visitors determine if they are maintaining a safe distance from wildlife while capturing their outdoor adventures.
Jackson Hole has introduced a groundbreaking Instagram filter for wildlife safety.
To use the filter, visitors simply open the Instagram app, select the Selfie Control filter, and choose the type of wildlife they are observing. By aligning the animal’s outline with its icon on the screen, the filter will indicate if they are too close by showing the real-life animal as larger than the icon. If so, it advises stepping back to a safer distance before taking a photo.
This practical application is expected to reduce incidents of dangerous interactions between tourists and wildlife, especially during the busy summer months when parks see a surge in visitorsThe Verge reports.
The Selfie Control filter helps tourists maintain safe distances from animals.
Understanding Wildlife Safety Distances
Jackson Hole, much like other popular wildlife destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, provides specific guidelines on the safe distances to maintain from various animals. For example, visitors are advised to keep at least 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from moose.
However, gauging these distances accurately can be challenging without tools like the Selfie Control filter. This new filter simplifies the process, ensuring visitors can enjoy their encounters without compromising safety.
Crista Valentino, executive director of the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, highlighted the increase in human-wildlife encounters as a driving factor behind the development of this filter.
“Many of our visitors are unaware that they are too close to the wildlife until it’s too late. This filter is designed to educate and protect them,” she told ABC News.
Smartphones and social media contribute to risky wildlife encounters.
A Response to Growing Concerns
In recent years, several high-profile incidents have underscored the need for better visitor education regarding wildlife interactions. For instance, a tourist was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park earlier this year after approaching the animal too closely, ABC News reports.
At least one study has shown that nearly half of the wildlife-related injuries in parks like Yellowstone occur when visitors attempt to take photos too close to the animals.
The advent of smartphones and the popularity of social media have only exacerbated this issue. Tourists often prioritize capturing the perfect shot over their safety and the well-being of the animals.
“It’s hard to judge distances accurately in vast, open spaces like those in Grand Teton or Yellowstone. This filter helps ensure that both wildlife and visitors remain safe while still allowing for memorable photos,” Erik Dombroski, chair of the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, told Morningstar.
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Global Applications and Open-Source Accessibility
One of the notable aspects of the Selfie Control filter is its open-source nature. Jackson Hole has made the filter’s code available to other destinations around the world, enabling them to customize it to their specific wildlife and safety guidelines, The Verge reports. This initiative has the potential to significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts on a global scale.
Morgan Mingle, Director of Sustainable Tourism for the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau, praised the initiative.
“Filters like this are precisely the kinds of tools we need when educating visitors about wildlife interaction. It makes understanding and practicing safe distances much easier,” she told TownLift.
This filter simplifies safe wildlife photography for amateurs and professionals.
Looking Ahead
As more tourists flock to natural destinations, the importance of safety measures cannot be overstated. Valentino expressed optimism about the potential impact of the filter, hoping it will lead to a decline in negative interactions between humans and wildlife.
“We want to see more stunning wildlife images and fewer incidents and accidents,” she told ABC News.
The Selfie Control filter represents a significant step forward in wildlife conservation and visitor safety. By leveraging technology, Jackson Hole is setting a new standard for responsible tourism.
As this tool is adopted by other destinations, the hope is that it will foster a deeper respect and understanding of wildlife among tourists worldwide.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
