I took my drone to Yellowstone. I stayed outside the park boundary (technically) but flew over a herd of bison inside the park to get the shot. A Ranger saw it. I got a federal citation for “Wildlife Harassment” and “Operating in a National Park.” Fine: $5,000. I also crashed the drone when a bird attacked it.
Key Takeaways
- Fines are Uninsurable: As repeated in previous articles, insurance does NOT pay criminal or civil fines. The $5,000 ticket is yours to pay.
- Intentional Harassment: If the footage shows you chasing the animals, insurance will deny the Hull claim (for the crashed drone) based on “Intentional Acts” or “Operation in Prohibited Area.”
- Bird Strikes: If a bird attacks your drone, that is usually a covered “Collision” claim under Hull insurance, unless you provoked the animal (harassment).
- Legal Defense: Some policies might pay for a lawyer to defend you against the “Harassment” charge if you deny it, but they won’t pay the fine if you lose.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Operation in Prohibited Areas”
Aviation policies exclude coverage for operations in “Prohibited or Restricted Airspace” without permission.
National Parks are “No Drone Zones” (effectively restricted for takeoff/landing, and often flight).
If you fly into the park from outside, you are in a gray area legally, but if you disturb wildlife, you violate the Airborne Hunting Act or park rules.
Insurers use this violation to void the policy for that flight.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked about wildlife incidents.
1. Hull Coverage (Drone)
- Scenario: Eagle took down the drone.
- Verdict: Covered as “Bird Strike” (Accidental).
- Exception: If logs show I was buzzing a nest, denied.
2. Liability (Fine)
- Scenario: NPS Fine.
- Verdict: Denied. “We do not insure fines.”
3. Legal Defense
- Verdict: AOPA Pilot Protection Services would provide a lawyer to fight the FAA/NPS enforcement action. Standard drone insurance would not.
Comparison Table: Wildlife Risks
| Incident | Insurance Coverage | Note |
| Bird Strike (Random) | Covered (Hull) | Standard peril |
| Harassment Fine | Denied | Penalties excluded |
| Confiscated Drone | Denied | Seizure excluded |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Know the Maps: Use Aloft or B4UFLY. National Parks are red zones. Just don’t fly there.
- Zoom, Don’t Chase: Use a zoom lens (Mavic 3 Pro 7x zoom) from a safe distance. If the animal reacts to the drone, you are too close (and breaking the law).
- Delete the Footage? If a Ranger stops you, they might ask for the SD card. Legally, you can refuse without a warrant, but if you hand it over and it shows harassment, you are done.
- AOPA Membership: If you push boundaries, join AOPA for the legal defense fund.
FAQ
Q: Can I fly over a National Forest?
A: Usually yes (unlike National Parks), but “Wildlife Harassment” rules still apply everywhere.
Q: Does the “Bird Strike” kill the bird?
A: Often yes. And if it’s an endangered species (Bald Eagle), the fines can hit $100,000. Insurance won’t touch that.
[IMAGE: Map showing a “National Park” Red Zone and a drone path crossing the boundary line.]