Everest The First Cat B.A.R.K Ranger At Hot Springs National Park
So last week we visited Hot Springs National Park for the first time.
During our visit, we went to the visitor center and got Dexter our dog and Everest our cat signed up to be B.A.R.K Rangers.
Everest had the honor of being the very first cat to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Hot Springs which was really exciting. They even changed his certificate to “Purrr” Ranger.
We got to meet three different rangers and Ranger Kendra was excited about the first cat ranger as well.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is meant to teach owners and pets about responsible behaviours while visiting national parks and monumets.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge:
Promise to learn, respect, and model the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles to help Hot Springs and all other National Parks remain safe and beautiful for humans, dogs, and all wildlife.
Below are the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles applicants must follow:
- Bag your poop
- Always wear a leash
- Respect Wildlife
- Know where to go
At Hot Springs National Park your furry companion must complete at least two activities and get your human to learn the B.A.R.K. Principles.
The activity checklist at Hot Springs is:
- Embark on a hike
- Drink the spring water
- Explore Bathhouse Row
- Take a picture
Activities vary depending on what location you are at. Just head to the visitor center and ask a ranger what you must do to make your furry companion a B.A.R.K. Ranger.
The program can be found at various national parks, monuments, and historic locations throughout the country. Most do not participate in the program though so inquire at the visitor center.
This site has a more comprehensive list of participating locations.
You can also purchase a B.A.R.K Ranger dog tag at the gift shop. Some are generic, but others our more specific to the location so collecting different ones can be fun.
We plan on signing Dexter and Everest up to be B.A.R.K Rangers at as many places as we can this year.
Maybe Everest can be the first cat again at another park!
Do you have what it takes to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger?
Learn more about the program at their official website.
