A moose photographed at Grand Teton National Park in 2023 — from a safe distance. Encountering wildlife in their natural habitats can be awe-inspiring and may contribute to urgently needed conservation efforts. Tourism dollars can fund animal sanctuaries, and the rise of whale watching famously helps educate visitors and allows scientists to collect data on whale behavior. Unfortunately, distinguishing between ethical encounters and harmful ones isn’t always straightforward — and slick, professional marketing can blur the lines between conservation and exploitation. With the summer travel season coming up, it’s important we educate ourselves so [...]