A 9-year-old girl became the victim of poor judgment when the irritated bison launched her into the air. Other times, weather conditions merely cause delays and inconveniences. The driver of the car died after the incident. A poll done by the National Parks Service in 2008 . Today . 45 helicopter searches and other high-tech tools have yet to reveal any information about his whereabouts [source: Myers]. Moreover, throughout the day, visitors often park their vehicles to admire and take pictures of bears, moose and other large animals adjacent to the road and these stopped vehicles can unintentionally cause accidents and gridlock. Today, hundreds of paranormal sightings are reported there every year. Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers, authors of Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, stated in their book that there have been 126 falls from Grand Canyons rims since 1886. In 2020, more than 19,000 of the deaths were homicides, according to the CDC. This is a serious concern for a lot of parks. According to a Grand Canyon National Park spokesperson, an average of 12 people die a year at the Grand Canyon, and the causes range from heat, drowning, natural causes and, rarely, falls. In late March and early April, three visitors died in the park within the span of eight days, and two of those deaths were due to falls. "A Timeline of 22-year-old Gabby Petito's Case." "And then he came up behind me and he got his horn slashed it through my leg, the teen, who wished to remain anonymous, told Today. Make sure your gear is in great condition, and you know exactly how to use it, before attempting a climb. He was rescued by searchers when he responded to their calls. Srawn's family hired private searchers after Australian authorities called off their search after only two weeks. The guide died while trying to free his raft from a log that it got snagged on. Despite a private search that went on for over a year, Srawn's body has never been recovered. The personal injury law firm said, We feel that it is important to say that, based on our data, visiting U.S National Parks is very safe overall.. There were 133 deaths in the park from 2007 to 2018, the second-highest total among national parks after Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Colorado River in Arizona and Nevada,. "Secret Vanishings in America's National Parks." IrishCentral. On any given week, there are an average of six deaths in the National Park System. Aug. 9, 2004. "Why hundreds of people vanish into the American wilderness." Throughout the year, the National Park System offers a wide range of visitor experiences in unique landscapes with potential hazards that may exist at parks across the nation, Barnum told CNN. But is there more to these disappearances than just kids wandering off, or hikers becoming disoriented? Paula Welden was the second person to go missing in that area of Green Mountain National Forest during this period. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra disappearance somewhere over the Pacific Ocean on June 2, 1937 is very famous. Randy spent months doing that, all the while theorizing about what could have happened to his child. You may opt-out by. In 12 years, with 3.5 billion visitors, only eight people were killed by wild animals. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Visitors walk near a sign warning of extreme [+] heat danger on August 17, 2020 in Death Valley National Park, California. Der Zion-Nationalpark befindet sich im Sdwesten Utahs an der Grenze zu Arizona.Er hat eine Flche von 579 km und liegt zwischen 1128 m (Coalpits Wash) und 2660 m Hhe (Horse Ranch Mountain). His bike and gear were found on the side of a trail, but Gray was nowhere to be found. There's a lot things that can kill you in Yellowstone: drowning, falls and avalanches, poisonous plants, hypothermia, falling trees, falling rocks, forest fires, bear attacks, lightning strikes, gas explosions and murder not to mention the wagon wrecks and runaway horses more common in the early days of the park. During the 2007 to 2018 time frame, there were an estimated 3.5 billion recreation visits to the National Parks System (NPS.) Many of the deaths that do occur happen in a few parks that are particularly precarious. For four days the missing man survived in the backcountry without any supplies. In July 2019, to take a recent example, a New Jersey man suffering from dementia disappeared from the Cataloochee Divide Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A 14-year-old passenger died and four others were injured as a result of this unforeseen incident. Petito's family says that their last contact with the 22-year-old was at the end of August 2021. National park. National Parks have storied histories including epic survivals, inspiring humans and serve as physical reminders of the importance for protecting the planet. Some parks have limited water supplies, so it may be necessary to pick up water before entering the park. He was camping in the park with his family over the July 4 weekend when he disappeared near the Roaring and Fall Rivers. Searchers found and lost the trail a few times, and they discovered evidence that the boy had been eating insects and foraged berries along the way. At Lake Mead, drownings was the leading cause of death. He also worried that burgeoning mental health issues had gotten the best of him. Three of those deaths . According to a 2017 investigation conducted by Outside," 10 national parks pose an especially high risk, earning them the distinction of being the deadliest in America. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 . Mountain Lion Foundation. In many instances, accidental falls result from poor judgment or the desire to get an amazing photo or selfie. "Girl, 8, Lost for 6 Days, Rescued in Ozark Forests." Even in the summer months, snow and ice can pose dangers during hikes. The NPS takes measures to respond to natural disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, avalanches and severe storms, and in smaller park settings with limited equipment, NPS efforts are supported by local and state agencies. Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. In the wilderness, Mother Nature has complete control. To combat this issue, Operation Dry Water works with law enforcement agencies in 56 states and territories to help educate people about the dangers of boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report Suicides in National Parks 2003-2009, falls were one of the top two methods for attempted suicides at parks, and the third leading cause of death overall between 2007-2013. Not so much. Efforts have been underway for years to increase the safety of the 25-year-old Natchez Trace Bridge, which is located on the parkway. Yellowstone National Park provides a guide for visitors outlining dangerous selfie locations. The series features the secrets and legends in National Parks across the United States. Travel Channel series may set a new low in junk television". But be aware that many remote areas still do not have any cell phone service. . Updated Proper shoes will go a long way to preventing falls. Oc. He was expecting to see more deaths involving wild animals, given that these are wilderness areas. Van Alst apparently was playing with her brothers when she wandered off and got lost, and couldn't find her way back. "Frequently Asked Questions." Given the recent surge in visitation during Covid-19, the personal injury law firm Panish Shea & Boyle LLP partnered with data visualization agency1Point21 Interactiveto create a new report that examines the safety of visiting the national parks and identifies the places where people are most likely to die. Beilhartz had gone with his dad to bathe in the river, and from there he decided to join two family friends at a spot about 500 feet (150 meters) upstream of where he and his father entered the river. / i [klfnj] und spanisch California [kalifonja]) ist der flchenmig drittgrte und mit Abstand bevlkerungsreichste Bundesstaat der Vereinigten Staaten.Kalifornien liegt im Westen des Landes und grenzt an den Pazifischen Ozean, die Bundesstaaten Oregon, Nevada und Arizona sowie den mexikanischen Bundesstaat Baja California auf der . She was dressed for walking and not a long hike, wearing jeans, a coat and sneakers. The oldest of the US national parks, and one of the most visited, it continues to wow all who explore its spouting geysers, hot springs, mud pots, prismatic pools, and brooding mega volcano. Visitors reflect the trends in the greater United States. Overall, around 1,000 people searched for 16 days but never found him [source: Knapp and Adams]. The investigators used tower data from Srawn's phone and a trained dog to track his trail to a treacherous area called the Western Fall Wilderness [source: French]. In 23 percent of the search and rescues in national parks in 2012, fatigue/physical condition was listed . "13 Mysterious Disappearances in National Parks" Srawn was studying abroad in Australia in May 2013, when he decided to take a 1,700 mile- (2,700 kilometer-) road trip from the Gold Coast to Melbourne. With improved coverage, cell phones can sometimes be used to report serious and life-threatening incidents. A national park is a park or an area of land officially recognized and protected by a nation 's government. Latest summaries of road crash deaths and fatal road crashes are presented here. (Not coincidentally, they also happen to be among the most visited.). This is especially important when children are present.. "Vanishing of boy remains largest scale hunt for missing persons in Smokies." CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. (June 24, 2015) http://poststar.com/news/local/years-later-case-of-missing-boy-remains-an-adirondacks-mystery/article_8a42bf94-af20-11e0-835c-001cc4c03286.html, Matheny, Jim. Their combined message is Designate a Water Watcher Supervision Could Save a Life. While the NPS is endorsing this message, they also advocate that visitors swim in a lifeguarded-protected area. It was upright and full of supplies, but the couple was gone. But parks are also, in some ways, inherently unsafe, and not all injuries and deaths are the result of bad decision-making. Since 2012, preventable injuries have increased from the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. to the third, behind heart disease and cancer. People died of natural causes, of suicide, and for many, accidents. In the United States National Park System alone there are more than 84 million acres (35 million hectares) of preserved woods, deserts, mountains and other wilderness, so it's no surprise that in the past 100 years there have been a number of cases of hikers going missing. I was a death-obsessed teenager, and I would have loved these books then sulking in the back seat of the family car during a national park vacation, reading choice horror stories out loud to . Consider that these are among the most visited parks in the nation. Every once in a while, a visitor will die while attempting to take a photograph. Overlooking Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which has the most deathsusually by drowning. Even though the 2018 statistics have yet to be released, Kupper shared the locations for the seven incidents that happened in 2017: Two occurred in California at Point Reyes and at Joshua Tree. This popular scenic road is often ranked as one of the top NPS destinations. There are tales of tragic selfie falls, and drinking and diving in lakes, rapids, or waterfalls. His family owned the cabin where they were staying and described Legg as a "mini-woodsman," because they all hiked there together so often. Srawn rented a van, drove to the park's Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains, and no one has seen him since [source: French]. A 4th of July rafting experience turned to tragedy earlier this year when a commercial raft on a Class III rapid on the Green River at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah got stuck on a rock. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington state, which is the national park where you're [+] most likely to die. During the pandemic, Americans have been visitingthe U.S. national parksin record numbers. The last known sighting of Dublin native Cian McLaughlin pinpoints him heading in the direction of Taggart Lake. (June 25, 2015) https://web.archive.org/web/20130919060948/http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130913/NEWS/309139971, Shimanski, Charley. The Northern Lights over Denali National Park in Alaska, the second most dangerous national park in [+] America. Unlike in the Martin case, though, rescuers used dogs in their search. He hasn't been found despite the efforts of online groups working doggedly to crack the case. In 2019, a staggering 173,000 Americans died of what were deemed preventable injuries. Let us break it down On average, one person dies in a motor-vehicle crash on National Park Service roadways every week. Together, they cover more than 85 million acres and are visited by . There are many National Parks in the world. Approximately 40 percent of the climbing accidents at Yosemite have been caused by mistakes made with climbing gear. 2. By that time, weather conditions had deteriorated, making the chances of finding Devine slim. Redwood (California) Aside from its famous trees, this park has miles of unspoiled coastline, and you can spend a whole day exploring without seeing more than a few tourists.. 9. If you want to escape civilization, head to the Channel Islands. Who dies in National Parks? The mountainous park is known for snow slides and avalanches. No one has discovered her body, so her disappearance remains a mystery. Just because more people have died at those parks, doesnt necessarily mean you are most likely to die there than you are at any other park, says Beltz. Most recently, a professor of biology at Californias Stanislaus State, James Youngblom, passed away while solo hiking in Yosemite. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images). The following is a list of deaths that should be noted in 2021. (Photo by: Greg Vaughn /VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images), Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images), What To Expect When You Rent A Car Now (Youll Be Surprised), Star Female Italian Winemaker Shares Her Love For Tuscany, Take It, Easys: A New Speakeasy And Lounge At The Aria In Las Vegas, The Italian Company Offering An Alternative Kind Of Travel, Emirates Airlines Gets Even More Indulgent With Its New Champagne Service, Rixos Introduces A Five Star, All-Inclusive Experience To Abu Dhabi, Eugene Levys Reluctant Traveler, The Beatles Liverpool, Passport Renewal Delays And More. And unfortunately, some will die. In July 2019, a vehicle driving in Glacier National Park swerved to avoid a stopped car, then descended down a 40-foot steep hill. Bennington Banner. Grand Canyon, Arizona (134 deaths) 2. Four-year-old Alfred Beilhartz was the first recorded drowning in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, though whether Beilhartz actually drowned is controversial [source: Vistaramic Journeys]. Top 25 National Parks Where Youre Most Likely to Die, Leave America: How To Get A Second Passport (For Free) And Live Abroad, The 20 Best Places To Travel In 2021: Where To Go Next. When Lee H. Whittelsey examined deaths at the nations oldest park in Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park (2014), he came to the conclusion that it is impossible to safety proof a national park since stupidity and negligence have been big elements. Add in people dying while trying to take selfies (yes, this is happening more often), and you can definitely chalk up many fatalities to poor judgment. Such was the case of Julianne Williams and Laura Winans, two women who were found murdered in 1996 at their Shenandoah National Park campsite. The area got this name because of a handful of mysterious disappearances which occurred between 1945 and 1950, although many more have been recorded over the years Paranormal author Joseph A. Citro coined the term because of the supposedly supernatural circumstances surrounding these vanishings [source: Vermonter]. Most hiking experts would say that these missing hikers made common mistakes like taking on more than they could handle or failing to time their turnback to beat the sunset [source: Stevenson]. The top ten preventable injuries include poisoning (38%), falls (23%) motor vehicle, 22% and drowning, (2%). The top 5 ways people died were drowning, motor vehicle crash, undetermined, falls, and natural causes (medical). Those parks are, in order of deaths: 1. Premise [ edit] Operating a boat while intoxicated is not just unwise, but a federal offense that comes with a $1,000 fine. One possible lead that searchers didn't follow was a report from another family the evening that the boy went missing. "No Leads in Search for Boy Missing Since July." [34] Steve Mackey, 56, English bassist ( Pulp) and record producer. I recently read about the child who fell into a geyser at Yellowstone and it broke my heart, says Beltz. His mother reported that she heard no sound at all when her back was turned, though she did see a beige truck speeding out of the campground around the time that her son went missing. Nature-lovers seek out national parks in large part because of the incredible wildlife they contain. While the NPS does not offer statistics pinpointing the relationship between fatalities and lifejacket usage, the latest stats from the U.S. Coast Guard show drowning as the cause of death in 76 percent of all 2017 fatalities. The search for Srawn began when the rental company discovered that the van wasn't returned. Searchers figured out his hike plans by looking at the search history on a laptop they recovered from his van [source: Mcllroy]. He was never found. In the summer of 1970, a man named Dave Panebaker got a job as a seasonal ranger at Crater Lake. The NPS site states that, Some estimates indicate that the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards can be less than one in 18 million.. Mysteries at the National Parks is an American reality television series that premiered on May 1, 2015, on the Travel Channel. Eighteen-year-old Welden was a college student who set out on the Long Trail in December 1946. Find out, either in advance of your arrival or at the Visitor Center, whether wading or swimming is allowed or prohibited and if lifeguards are on duty. Became a National Park in: 2013. Fortunately, when people go missing in national parks, theyre generally found. On average, approximately 160 visitors per year die while recreating in the National Park System. Records indicate that drowning fatalities can occur at every age, but younger, unaccomplished swimmers with a tendency for poor decision-making are at greatest risk. In the 16 days since the government shutdown began and more than 21,000 National Park Service employees were furloughed, seven visitors to national parks have died. But fatalities happen more often than people may think. Here are some general steps park visitors can take to stay safe: Taking a proactive approach prior to arrival, and asking questions from park rangers upon arrival, will counteract the possibility of becoming a National Park statistic. Even for short walks, its advisable to carry light snacks and sufficient water for continual nourishment and hydration. READ MORE:Worlds Top 10 Places To Move (You Wont Believe Who Wants To Live In The U.S.). have caused other needless deaths. Later that week, a 17-year-old visiting North Dakotas Theodore Roosevelt National Park was walking a trail when he was charged by a bison. Visitors: 5.969 million annually. During three days of brutal combat, casualties rose to over 50,000 and the creeks were said to have literally run red with blood. The temperature reached 130 degrees at Death Valley National Park on August 16, hitting what may be the hottest temperature recorded on Earth since at least 1913, according to the National Weather Service. 1 cause of death in national parks was falls, which claimed the lives of 245 people. Grand Canyon National Park, also the site of many falls.4. Some accounts describe dogs following Legg's scent over a 30-mile (48 kilometers) trail through difficult terrain [source: Swancer]. Established in 2000 for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of traditional Native Hawai'ian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai offers visitors a trail network of cultural and historical significance to explore. So this one mostly comes down to exercising good common sense. That's about 1,486 people every day. Occasionally, freak tragedies occur. USA Today. The largest national park south of Alaska, Death Valley is known for extremes: It is North America's driest . Yosemite alone averages about 12 to 15 deaths per year due to hikers. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where most people die from drownings.2. Similarly, Grand Teton National Park lost one of its rafting guides during a May 2019 trip on the Snake River. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. July 16, 2021 (Oct. 19, 2021) https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/helicopters-drones-rescue-dogs-and-thermal-cameras-but-still-no-sign-of-missingcian-mclaughlin-38-days-after-he-went-for-a-walk-40658497.html, Myers, Amy. According to Kathy Kupper, public affairs specialist for the NPS, More than 70 percent of the national parks did not have any unintentional fatalities between 2005-2013.. National parks offer a plethora of opportunities for kayakers, canoers, sailors, rafters, jet skiers and paddle boarders. Despite this, visitors should realize that their overall welfare is dependent on being aware of their surroundings, using common sense and following the parks safety tips. See the full Outforia report here. The Grand Canyon hiker, 53-year-old Michelle Meder, of Hudson, Ohio, was on a multi-day trek from the Hermit Trail to Bright Angel Trail when she became . There's an area in Green Mountain National Forest near Glastenbury Mountain and Vermont's Long Trail that believers in the paranormal call Bennington Triangle. What You Need to Know About National Park Deaths By Sandy Bornstein on August 30, 2019 Getty Images Every year, more than 318 million people visit America's 419 National Park System sites, including designated National Parks, National Lakeshores, National Monuments, National Historic Sites and National Seashores. In fact, "Missing 411" author and former police officer at Yosemite National Park, David Paulides, thinks something more intriguing is afoot. Three occurred in Tennessee at the Big South Fork, Great Smoky Mountains and Obed. For instance, one of the people who recently fell and died at Grand Canyon was reportedly trying to take photos at an overlook. First, National Parks are statistically relatively safe places, although you may experience gridlock, road rage, and other irritations at many this summer. At this point, you may be thinking that accidents mostly happen because of human folly. The most dangerous National Park, statistically speaking, was North Cascades National Park in Washington State. June 24, 1946. The teen, who went to the hospital but didnt suffer serious injuries, said hed been keeping his distance from a nearby herd of some 50 bison. On Thursday, a 67-year-old visitor to the Grand Canyon National Park died after falling off the rim of the canyon, according to a National Park Service press release. Outdoor adventures in more remote areas and in water environments are filled with uncertainties. It was a typical joke that should have ended with some startled shouts and then a lot of laughter. CNN . It was an annual Father's Day tradition all of the men in the Martin family headed to Smoky Mountain National Park to camp and hike. Be aware of your surroundings and footing can help prevent fall deathsespecially on the quest for selfies and amazing pictures and videos, says Beltz. The Women Of Roblox Are On A Mission To Make Gaming A Force For Good, ChatGPT: Thinking Outside The Content Marketing Box, How Latina Entrepreneur Corina Burton Once Failed, Then Launched A Multi-Million Business, Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Pen Their Own Justice, Women Have Found A Powerful Way To Form Authentic Connections In Business - Mentoring Walks, Sephora, A New CCO And A Celebration Of Latinx Roots: Babba Rivera Is Building A Haircare Empire With Ceremonia, 5 Ways To Bounce Back After Getting Laid Off, Greenlight For Work Tackles Top Source Of Stress For Working Parents, North CascadesNationalPark - Washington (652.35 deaths per 10 million visitors), Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River - Delaware (68.52), Big Thicket National Preserve - Texas (66.92), Little River Canyon National Preserve - Alabama (53.13), New River Forge National River - West Virginia (44.73), Virgin Islands National Park - S. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (39.94), Mount Ranier National Park - Washington (37.72), Redwood National and State Parks - California (36.60), Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - California (33.22), Channel Islands National Park - California (31.53), Glen Canyon National Recreational Area - Arizona and Utah (29.86), Yosemite National Park - California (28.01), Death Valley National Park - California and Nevada (26.57), Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway - Wisconsin (26.09), Colorado National Monument - Colorado (23.69), Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Arizona and Nevada (23.41), Cape Hatteras National Seashore - North Carolina (22.83), Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona (21.93), Buffalo National River - Arkansas (17.71), Shenandoah National Park - Virginia (16.83). Built during the Depression, it is a starting point for hikers seeking trails, scenic overlooks, streams and waterfalls. Laundrie disappeared on Sept. 17 and on Oct. 20, his skeletal remains were found inside the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota, Florida. In August 2019, falling rocks near the east tunnel on the Going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Park struck a car. A search began immediately, expanding to more than 100 Civilian Conservation Corps members within 45 minutes, but there was barely any sign of Beilhartz anywhere [source: Evans]. Every time I read a story about someone dying at anationalpark, I found myself wondering, How often does this happen? and where and how do people die most often, says project lead Brian Beltz. Causes of death vary from drownings and falls to motor vehicle accidents and medical incidents such as heart attacks. The Key family allegedly heard a scream and then saw a "bear-man" with something slung over its shoulder that looked like it could be a small child [source: Gullion]. In some places, the number of incidents is on the rise. Her attire implied that she planned to return before dark, when temperatures were supposed to dip below freezing. This is located on an 8-mile (12-kilometer) trail that is very difficult in nature. If you visit anationalparkwith children, be very aware of where they are and what is around you. (Oct. 19, 2021) https://web.archive.org/web/20210224134549/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-29-cl-16386-story.html, Knapp, George and Matt Adams. "I-Team: Strange Circumstances Surround Park Disappearances." Death Valley is the biggest, the hottest, and the most foreboding. Each half-hour episode includes interviews with historians, scientists, authors, and paranormal investigators, as well as dramatic recreations featuring actors re-telling haunting stories of the unexplained, mysteries and legends from the most famous of America's national parks. Catching murderers is dependent, of course, on evidence and detective work. The national parks with the most fatal incidents were the Grand Canyon with 134 deaths, Yosemite with 126 deaths and the Great Smoky Mountains with 92 deaths. 8. Yosemite National Park, where falling is the most common cause of injury and death.3. However, some disappearances have become a focus for urban legend, online message boards and nonfiction books. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. When everyone returned to camp, they realized that Beilhartz was missing. At the same time, its is made up of rugged and steep mountain and glacial terrain with very few roads or structures, says Beltz. The search began immediately after the boy wandered away from his brothers, and within days the National Guard and a team of bloodhounds had joined the search [source: Desert Sun]. Many other hikers have gotten lost in that part of the Ozarks and not been as lucky as Van Alst. "Christopher Carlton Tompkins." Dennis and his brothers had planned a prank on the adults; they were going to hide separately in the bush and jump out on different sides of the campsite to scare them. America's most popular national park is Thats according to National Park Service chief spokesman Jeremy Barnum. People who stay in developed areas, roadsides and boardwalks are considerably safer than visitors who plan to hike or camp in the backcountry. Over the course of a single week in late July 2019, two separate wildlife attacks were recorded. and dissolved after trying to go for a soak. The couple, who posted heavily about their travels on social media, had an ambitious schedule of coast-to-coast national park visits, although several fights between the pair were noticed by others (including the police) along the way. Devine was camping with his friend Greg Balzer; they split up on the day that Devine went missing. This summer, ESCAPE FROM COVID-19 is a road movie. Some searchers reported seeing bear-like tracks near the site. So what can people do to protect themselves? The search went on for nine days, but rescuers never found him alive. The process was disorganized at first, until Welden's father called in favors from police in two surrounding states. Observing a creature youve never before seen in the wild can provide an extraordinary visceral thrill.