Yellowstone is a double-edged sword.
So beautiful in so many ways.
But... it has a very dark side.
Over 300 people have died through accidental deaths in Yellowstone since its founding. So many, in fact, that there are books published on the subject. Check out this link at Amazon. Yellowstone is a place that, even though it has some great educational aspects; I would never bring a young child or pet.
As we observed the beautiful hot springs, thermal pools, mud ponds, I started to wonder how many animals or even people had come too close to the edge. Many of these pools each the boiling point and beyond. There are warning signs all over the park to stay on the boardwalks. When I had the opportunity to talk to a Park Ranger regarding the subject, he confirmed that many animals die every year. Particularly during the winter as animals stand close to the pools to stay warm. He noted that a buffalo that falls in one day will have nothing left but bones in the water the next day. This is how hot it is. from falling into these heat sources.
So, you can only imagine what happens when young kids or even adults act recklessly around these dangerous features. I picked up the book with the intention of buying it. I read the first few stories and decided it was a bit too morbid. But, it definitely ensured the park earned my full respect!
