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Drone Pilot Hovered Over Grizzlies At Grand Teton National Park

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By NPT Staff - August 24th, 2017

Grand Teton National Park rangers were trying to track a drone pilot who flew his drone over grizzly bears at Oxbow Bend/NPS file

A drone pilot, ignoring regulations that ban flights in national parks, flew his over grizzlies near Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park, prompting rangers to ask for information on the matter.

The pilot apparently was trying to get photos of the bears, a park release said Thursday. The flight occurred Wednesday evening around 6:30 p.m.

"Numerous visitors were near Oxbow Bend in the northern area of the park viewing the bears when a large drone approached and hovered over the animals," park staff said. "Park personnel in the area were unable to locate the drone or the operator. Anyone with any information that may help in the investigation regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the park at 307-739-3301."

National Park Service regulations prohibit the launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft, such as a drone, model airplane, or quadcopter, within the park system without a permit.

"Drone use has the potential to cause unacceptable impacts such as harming visitors, interfering with rescue or fire management operations, causing excessive noise, impacting view sheds, and disturbing wildlife," the Grand Teton release said. "Anyone illegally operating an unmanned aircraft in the park may be issued a mandatory court appearance with the maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine."

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