‘Selfie Control’ Instagram Filter Will Show When You’re Too Close to Wildlife

People sometimes approach wildlife to take photos — this free photo filter tool helps gauge whether users are in the danger zone or safe to take pictures.

Photo byShutterstock

We’ve all seen the videos of wildlife photography gone wrong. Someone gets too close to a buffalo trying to take a selfie for Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or whatever, and Bam! They’re suddenly tomahawking like a rag doll through the air. It’s bad for the people, sure. But it can be even worse for the animals that are often relocated or euthanized as a result. It’s a lose-lose situation.

But a new filter code for Instagram aims to change that. “Selfie Control” claims it will help people check whether or not they’re a safe distance from the animals they’re trying to snap a picture of.

“Bears run 35 miles per hour. Humans? 8. You do the math,” the webpage for the new filter code reads. “Get some Selfie Control.”

The filter comes with five preset icons for Grizzly Bears, Bison, Moose, Elk, and Black Bear. When you select an icon, that animal appears on your screen the same size it should be if you’re the appropriate distance away.

If it’s bigger on your screen than the bright red icon shaped like the animal you’re photographing, you’re too close.

According to the site, you should always be 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from everything else. Here’s what it looks like on the official GearJunkie Wildlife Testing Mascot, Korra.

Photo byWill Brendz

It’s a simple tool. That’s why the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board (JHTTB), which designed the filter, is keen to get it into people’s hands.

“What we’re excited about is giving people the ability, like another tool, to be able to really understand how far 25 yards is or how far 100 yards is,” Crista Valentino, the executive director of the JHTTB, said in an interview with Boise State Public Radio. “Because it’s difficult to judge that distance when you have such a great expanse.”

Selfie Control Instagram Filter

Photo byShutterstock

Human fatalities by animals are extremely rare in national parks. According to NPS mortality data, between 2014 and 2019, wildlife was responsible for just three out of 2,149 deaths across all national parks (with motor vehicle accidents and drowning far leading the pack).

However, nonlethal human-animal conflicts are more common, especially in places like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Grizzly bears and bison are responsible for most of the unwanted encounters with tourists. And even if it doesn’t kill a person, these animals can leave someone seriously injured.

Unfortunately, animals that act or even react aggressively toward a person are sometimes relocated by park rangers. In extreme or repeat cases, animals are put down.

That’s why the JHTTB decided to make the Selfie Control Instagram filter. Not only is it a catchy campaign to draw some attention to the area, it’s also a functionally useful tool for people to gauge whether or not they’re conducting themselves safely around wildlife.

The filter always opens with a disclaimer and release users must agree to, which serves as a reminder about how risky photographing wildlife can be.

“I agree wildlife is dangerous and should not be approached. I agree I am liable for my own actions, and I waive and release all parties involved with this filter from any associated claims and damages.”

According to the JHTTB webpage for Selfie Control, while it is preloaded with animals for the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park areas, it can be updated with wildlife from your destination.

Accessing the filter is free and simple to do. In the Instagram app, scroll through your filters until you get to the “Search” icon at the far right. Type in “Selfie Control,” and the filter will pop up. Tap the icon, and you’re in business.