Low-impact activities linked to increased wildlife encounters in national parks

On July 2, 2026, researchers from the University of York found that low-impact activities in national parks are associated with a higher frequency of aggressive encounters between humans and wildlife. This study, published in Frontiers in Conservation Science, highlights the risks visitors face when engaging in quiet outdoor activities.

Understanding Wildlife Encounters in National Parks

The expansion of human activity into natural habitats has led to increased interactions between humans and wildlife. According to the study, the type of activity plays a significant role in the likelihood of aggressive encounters. The researchers analyzed nearly 3,500 reported incidents from 2010 to 2023, focusing on species including elk, black bears, grizzlies, coyotes, and mule deer.

Researchers categorized park visitor activities into seven types: low-impact activities (like hiking and wildlife observation), extreme sports (such as kayaking), animal-involved activities (including dog walking), camping, transport-related activities (like road cycling), townsite activities (such as golfing), and park operations. Their findings indicated that species involvement varied by activity type, with certain animals posing higher risks during specific activities.

Key Findings on Aggressive Encounters

The study revealed that elk accounted for approximately 62% of aggressive encounters, followed by grizzly bears (14%), black bears (13%), mule deer (7%), and coyotes (3%). First author Holly Landles noted, "We found low-impact activities were associated with the highest frequency of aggressive encounters, regardless of species." This highlights the unpredictability of animal behavior, particularly with elk, which sometimes use human presence as protection from predators.

Low-impact activities alone contributed to about 25% of all aggressive incidents, while townsite activities followed closely at 22%. The risks associated with townsite activities may stem from stress wildlife experience in urban settings. Adventure sports had the lowest incidence of aggressive encounters at just over 4%.

Recommendations for Park Visitors

While the researchers emphasize the importance of understanding these risks, they do not advocate for avoiding outdoor activities altogether. Instead, they recommend simple precautions to enhance safety. Landles stated, "Announcing yourself is a good idea, especially for grizzly bears. Taking whistles, talking, or hiking in larger groups can help, too." Keeping dogs on short leashes near large wildlife herds is also advised.

Visitors are encouraged to check for current park information, including bear sightings and trail closures, before embarking on outdoor activities. The researchers noted that their data may underestimate the actual number of aggressive encounters, especially those not resulting in harm to humans.

Ultimately, both humans and wildlife suffer during aggressive encounters. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for park managers and visitors alike, ensuring that both can coexist more safely in shared environments.