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National Park Service
@NatlParkService
#FindYourPark and #PlanLikeAParkRanger RT/follow/likes≠endorsement
425 Locationsnps.govBorn August 25Joined April 2009

National Park Service’s posts

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When you encounter others on a trail, offer a friendly “hello” or a nod. This helps create a friendly atmosphere. If you approach a trail user from behind, announce yourself in a friendly, calm tone. Yelling “that chipmunk stole my car keys, run for your lives” is not helpful.
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Don't go chasing waterfalls...cautiously approach and be careful of slippery conditions. In fact, you may just want to stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to. 📷: Lost Creek Falls/Yellowstone
A frozen Lost Creek Falls surrounded by snow in Yellowstone.
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If you swallow a bug while hiking, riding a bike, or singing live on stage in front of thousands of people, just shake it off. If you spend enough time in the woods, it’s bound to happen. It’s not ideal for the bug (it’s you, you’re the problem), but you should survive.
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First rule of hydrate club: Stay hydrated. Second rule of hydrate club: Tell everyone you know about hydrate club. Third rule of hydrate club: Just a minute…need a bathroom break.
American mink with wet fur, and a sour expression, standing next to a rock at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska. You talked about hydrate club, didn’t you? Good.
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If you find yourself sharing the road with a bison, or another visitor, be patient for them to make their way and only maneuver around them when safe for all. Also, bison are notorious for selling extended warranties and rarely use a turn signal. Proceed with caution.
Herd of bison walking along a road surrounding a lone car caught in the middle at Yellowstone National Park.
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Hikers coming uphill usually have the right of way. If you’re descending, step aside and give space to the people heading up. Smile and tell them not to worry about spider webs because your tall friend already found them all.
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Helen warned Beatrice to be careful near the edge, but she also had been admiring Beatrice’s new shawl ever since they arrived at the park. 📸: Viewing the Yawning Chasm at the Grand Canyon, 1925.
Vintage photo from 1925 showing two visitors very close to the edge and leaning over to look into a canyon. Library of Congress Image.
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PIKA CHEW! Pikas have rounded ears, light brown and gray fur, long whiskers and no electrical abilities. The body is egg-shaped and the underside is a light color. They resemble their close relative, the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears. 📸:
A small pika perched on a rock with a mouth full of vegetation.
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Friend: “I love your outfit!” Me: Thanks! It has pockets! Did you know sea otters have flaps of loose skin under each forearm that they use like a pocket? What are these pockets full of? (Hint: It’s not sunshine.)
A sea otter in the water floating on its back at Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. Pockets not visible.
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The best way to stay safe around wildlife is give them room to move. Do not feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. Remember that wildlife in parks are wild and like your ex, can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.
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🎶In west Yellowstone, I was born and raised⁣ ⁣On the valley floor was where I spent most of my days⁣ ⁣ Wallowin’, grunting, relaxing all cool⁣ And eating lots of grasses, that’s right, no bull⁣ 🦬
Bison’s breath visible on a cool day at Yellowstone National Park. NPS/ Jacob W. Frank⁣
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Replying to
If not friend, why friend shaped? What about your other friend? Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for any visitor to a national park. While it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears in national parks are wild and can be dangerous.
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Social distancing means avoiding large gatherings and maintaining distance (6 ft) from others. While we're at it, remember to keep it at least 300 ft for larger wildlife. Check park websites for the most up to date information regarding access and services. #SocialDistancing
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“You saying you want a piece of me?!?”- Frank Costanza This saguaro is ready to drop you like a bag of dirt. Be the bigger succulent and don’t engage. 🌵
Two-armed saguaro cactus ready to drop you like a bag of dirt. Be the bigger succulent and don’t engage.
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Meet the parks! Parks are everything. They can be majestic, historic, mountainous, cavernous, wild, scenic, and more. There’s even (Ken)ai Fjords.
Graphic showing Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon with the text, “Bryce Canyon” and “This park has hoodoos.”
Graphic with the Hatteras lighthouse and the text “Cape Hatteras,” “This park has lighthouse.”
Graphic with the Hatteras lighthouse and the text “Cape Hatteras,” “This park has lighthouse.”
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As the great Obi Wan Canoebi said, “You must do what you feel is right, of course.” Canoeing can be peaceful or exhilarating – depending on where and how you do it. Parks offer many opportunities to get out on the water. 🛶 Have you canoed in a park? Did it feel right?
That no kayak! It’s a canoe! The bow of a canoe on a calm lake, looking toward snowy mountains at Denali National Park and Preserve.
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Do national parks inspire your design senses? 🎨 Enjoy #ParkPalettes from parks far and wide, like the National Park of American Samoa! In the heart of the South Pacific, this park has a world of sights, sounds, and experiences you will find in no other.
A view of coral and underwater vegetation at National Park of American Samoa with five color pallet samples pulled from image.
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