Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Wildlife Safety?

1 month ago 16

Lines of cars on both sides of a two-lane highway are stopped as a bison crosses. In one pickup truck, a man holds his phone out the driver's side window to take a picture.

The same disturbing scene plays out in one video after another: Tourists at Yellowstone National Park stand uncomfortably close to a bison, North America’s largest land animal, taking photos and reaching out. In a fraction of a second, the bison goes from standing to charging, and one or more people are thrown backward or even flung into the air.

Bison have already gored two people in Yellowstone this year, the same number as last year, despite the National Park Service’s constant warnings that visitors must maintain their distance from wildlife. But bison are far from the only animal you may encounter in America’s backyard. How prepared are you to keep yourself, and the wildlife you see, safe when you head into the outdoors? Take this quiz to find out.

1 of 10

The National Park Service generally recommends staying at least 25 yards away from animals like bison, deer, moose and coyotes. How far back does it recommend staying from wolves and bears?

A large, furry brown bear walks through a field of grass in the sunlight.

2 of 10

Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand six feet tall. How fast can they run?

A large, furry brown bison stands looking at the camera on a paved highway.

3 of 10

You’re kayaking in the Everglades and an alligator surfaces near you. How should you respond?

An alligator lurks in a swamp, its eyes above the placid water and its snout and body below the water.

4 of 10

Javelinas, which live in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, have occasionally caused serious injuries by biting people. They resemble — but are actually a distinct species from — which better-known animal?

5 of 10

What do experts recommend doing to avoid being stung by stingrays?

6 of 10

In the extremely unlikely event you’re attacked by a black bear, experts recommend you do which of the following?

A black bear in a grassy glade surrounded by the trunks of evergreen trees perks up its nose and eyes.

7 of 10

What invasive species in and around Death Valley National Park has become food for mountain lions but can also wander onto roads and pose a hazard to drivers?

8 of 10

Under what conditions do National Park Service officials say it’s appropriate to feed wildlife?

A furry reddish fox standing among dry vegetation arches its back as it looks forward with an intense gaze.

9 of 10

There were 1,080 unintentional deaths in national parks between 2014 and 2019, according to a park service database. How many of those deaths were caused by wildlife?