Safety

It's hard to say there Red_Box...  I'm not much for squirrel or suckling pig myself so the comparison would lack integrity.  Rat can be a tasty specimen if prepared correctly, but you have to watch out for the tail - takes a reeeeal long time going down!

These days, given the economy and all, lots of folks are looking to try new, more available kinds of game...  In fact, seems some have found raccoon a nice protein substitute.  

http://www.yumsugar.com/2697901?page=0%2C1

On the topic of squirrel, these two articles should help get you started on your culinary journey.

http://www.jerrysbaitandtackle.com/Recipes/Squirrel.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/dining/07squirrel.html

 
Please do keep in mind that OhRanger.com does not advocate the killing or eating of wild animals, especially on public lands.  If you do decide to follow through on this question, I hope you'll be safe and make sure to brush your teeth!

Happy Trails!

This is a really good question, and thank you for bringing it up as many visitors are likely to have similar concerns. 

The basic answer to your question is no.  As of mid-August there should not be many active ticks in the park.  Once the dry season starts (around mid-July) they start to decrease in numbers.  The night temperatures in the park are also currently hovering just around freezing - hard to believe I know - a climate in which ticks really won't survive and they'll move to lower elevations.  However, as you would anywhere, do be prepared just in case.  While most ticks have likely left the park, there may be some around and better to dress and be prepared.  Here's some more information on ticks taken from OhRanger.com:

"A tick is an arachnid, a member of the spider family. Like a mosquito, it feeds on blood from larger, warmblooded animals in order to reproduce. It is also similar to the mosquito because it can carry disease. Ticks are found throughout Yellowstone particularly in the meadows through July, though they can linger longer.  Use a repellent with DEET and check for them regularly by running fingers through areas that are exposed.  Also, wear longer socks or pants and long sleeves during heavy tick season. If a tick becomes embedded  in the skin, remove it carefully and completely with tweezers.  Be sure to pick up the informative brochure about ticks at any park visitor center and seek medical attention if a rash appears at the bite and you experience flu-like symptoms."

Have a safe and exciting trip.  Be sure to check back with us when you return to share pictures, stories and as always ask more questions!

Your question is a popular one! For more about becoming a National Park ranger, check out this answer from our partners at the Association of National Park Rangers.

 For more about becoming at sate park ranger, check out this answer.

Yes, grills are available at picnic areas throughout Nyack Beach State Park.

For more information about the facilities, visit the New York State Parks website.

First off, reduce your chances of getting lost in the wilderness by following these hiking safety tips.

Wilderness-survival.net is a great source for survial tips, including water procurement and finding edible plants.

It's a great question, and one that can be debated year over year by hikers everywhere. I find that a lot of it is personal preference, for instance, I can't imagine hiking on the trails without some type of camera in my pack. But, there is a standard list that has been refined over years described as the "Ten Essentials"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

• Map
• Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Extra food and water
• Extra clothes
• Headlamp/flashlight
• First aid kit
• Fire starter
• Matches
• Knife 

I've found that if you make a little kit bag that includes all these things, it is easy to toss in your pack every time you head out. In fact, we keep a little kit like this in our car, just in case we need something.

Of course, you'll need a backpack too!

Yes, you can bring your dog to the park, however, you can't take Fido hiking on any of the trails. You're allowed to have your dog pretty much anywhere you can drive your car, so, places like campgrounds, picnic areas and roads. The park asks that you keep your dog on a leash at all times. This is really for the safety of the dog, as the call of the wild may just be too much of a temptation! Plus, the magnificent elk, cougar, and bear population probably wouldn't play nice.

There is one exception to the "road" rule. You are allowed to bring your dog to a couple beaches in the park - Rialto Beach and Kalaloch Beach. Check out the park's pet page for more info : http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Yes. Owners must assume complete responsibility for their pets, which must be leashed at all times. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are prohibited on trails, in the backcountry and all thermal areas. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and in cabin units of the park's lodging facilities, but may not be left unattended. There are no kennels in the park.

For more information about park regulations, visit http://www.ohranger.com/yellowstone/yellowstone-regulations.

No, there is not a shuttle bus in Yellowstone. However, Xanterra Parks & Resorts provides bus tours within the park during the summer season. For more information about bus tours, vist www.travelyellowstone.com.

During the summer season, commercial businesses offer tours originating from many area towns and cities. During the winter season, some businesses provide snowcoach tours for most park roads or bus transportation on the Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City road. For more information about commercial bus tours from outside the park, visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/transbusn.htm.

If you plan on driving in the park, be sure to check the latest road conditions report, which includes road closures and construction updates, at http://www.nps.gov/yell/travelalert.htm. If you plan on bicycling, visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bicycling.htm for more information.

The road into the park rises considerably in elevation as you travel on the Chief Joseph Highway, which is quite beautiful but not great if you're afraid of heights. I rode through there two years ago on a cross country motorcycle trip and had two moose sightings, one of a mom and calf, right in the middle of the road! There was snow on the side of the road in June, which gives you an idea of the elevation change. Given where you are, you may have no choice but to anticipate the section with curves and have your wife close her eyes and try take a nap. If you can leave the park via West Yellowstone, she'll likely be much more at ease on that road. Hopefully the beauty of the park will replace any memories of some of the high places. When you're in the park, avoid the overlooks at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, as she won't be comfortable with the heights there. Good luck and have fun!

Oops, I misread the question and realized that you'll be going through the Fishing Bridge and not on the Beartooth Highway. As a result, you're not going to experience quite the highs and lows that I mentioned you would see on the Chief Joseph Highway. (I went the long way from Cody specifically because I love the twisty mountain roads!) Still, there's no other practical way into the park coming from the east, so hopefully the terrain won't be too scary. One thing's for certain, Yellowstone is beautiful and filled with attractions that are nice and level. Enjoy!