Posted by DT on August 25, 1997 at 06:23:18:
In Reply to: My First Trip:8/6-8/12 posted by Dave on August 23, 1997 at 11:55:00:
If you plan to bring your pet to the Yellowstone area, please
remember to have it's shots up to date. A number of cases of
rabies have been reported in Montana thus far this year. (We
are also having a serious outbreak here in NC) Unvaccinated pets
are one of the major causes of transmission. Even if lil' Fluffy
never goes outside, get the shots! Pets are not allowed on trails
in Yellowstone under any circumstances. There are lots of large,
hairy critters that consider your best friend to merely be a
tasty appetizer. In encounters with Griz, dogs present an incredible
hazard as they tuck tail and head for good ol' master, with an angry
Griz close behind. One other excellent reason for keeping the
pets confined while in the Park: Many researchers feel that one of the
key factors in the swift decline of wolves at the Isle Royale
National Park is the introduction of canine distemper to the island
by folks that insisted on sneaking their pets ashore with them. Wolves
have little resistance to the disease and after you've returned
home with Fluffy, the Park's packs could fall victim to the diseases
that your pet left behind. Traveling with a pet can be a rewarding
experience, witness Travels With Charlie, Steinbecks excellent
journal of a trans-American road trip in the early sixties. However,
it also involves a great burden of responsibility on your part.
Remember, that regardless of how fond you may be of your
pet, others may not share the warmth. A barking or free-roaming
Fido can wreck someone's trip in a hurry.Carelessness,or
disregard for ethical behavior could diminish the
Park experience for everyone for years to come.
Thanks, gt