The National Park Service said too many drone users have been operating their crafts inside Yosemite boundaries, and that the noisy flights are putting birds and sensate wildlife — as well as the scenic surroundings — in jeopardy.
Park ranger Scott Gediman told the Associated Press that drone sightings at Yosemite National Park are now a common experience.
“There has been an increasing use of the drones just because they are more prevalent on the market. It’s a new toy,” said Mr. Gediman, a ranger for nearly 20 years. “Most if not all of the people using these are simply unaware that they’re illegal.”
The park service issued a statement and posted advisories on Twitter and Facebook to remind park visitors to leave drones at home — particularly because the airborne vessels disturb peregrine falcons, which nest on cliff walls, and other sensitive wildlife creatures.
The drones can prove distracting to rangers and emergency rescue responders — and they’re noisy, Mr. Gediman said.
“It takes away from the soundscape and the beauty of the park,” he told AP.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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