A Yellowstone National Park tourist whose dog escaped into the park more than a week ago says the goldendoodle is still alive and being spotted daily.
“She has been gone for 8 days,” Mike Matsis stated Wednesday on a Yellowstone-themed group Facebook page. “There are daily sightings which is great news. We appreciate everyone that is trying to help bring Delta home.”
Delta, who weighs 70 pounds, has been spotted mostly near Artists Paintpots south of the Norris Geyser Basin. However, she has not responded to calls by tourists or attempts by park rangers to capture the dog.
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Matsis continued: “Sightings from the road are helpful because it lets us know she is alive. But please do not chase her in the field or yell for her. She is very skittish right now and will only come for food.
“We do not want to chase her out of the area where she feels safe and has been surviving.”
Among the chief threats to Delta’s safety are coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions.
Linda Veress, a Public Information Specialist at Yellowstone, on Tuesday issued a statement to For The Win Outdoors:
“Rangers are aware that a dog has been on the loose. They are watching for it and trying to catch it while responding to a variety of other incidents and visitor needs.”
Veress made clear that tourists should be mindful of strict regulations pertaining to pets inside the park, which are as follows:
• Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.
• Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long.
• Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
• Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
• Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate. Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well being.
• Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste.
Matsis, who has not responded to inquiries by For The Win Outdoors, concluded in his Facebook post:
“The rangers are trying very hard to trap her and we don’t want anyone to interfere with their efforts. We also have a group of dog rescuers that are going to come out and help us this weekend. We will be living in the park until we get her back.”
