Yosemite gets Invaded By DJI Drones: Anarchy in the Sky

Hi, fellow pilots! There’s some frustrating news coming out of Yosemite National Park, as Petapixel let us know. A wave of illegal drone flights has hit the park as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown leaves rangers short-staffed and law enforcement stretched thin.

With fewer eyes watching, some visitors are taking advantage of the situation—breaking rules that have been in place for over a decade. And making us, drone pilots, look like a bunch of idiots that doesn’t know about rules. It’s a terrible look for all of us.

Fewer Rangers, More Risky Flights

Since 2014, it has been strictly illegal to fly drones inside Yosemite National Park. The ban was introduced to protect wildlife, preserve peace for visitors, and prevent collisions in one of the country’s most visited natural landmarks. But with the government shutdown forcing many park employees into furlough, that rule is being ignored more than ever.

Guides and tourists have reported multiple drone sightings every day. Elisabeth Barton, CEO of Echo Adventure Cooperative, told KQED that “there are lots of drones in the skies, like everywhere.”

Normally, visitors who know the rules wouldn’t dare to fly. But when they see others doing it freely, the social pressure fades. As Barton explains, “They’re seeing all these drones moving and they’re like, ‘Maybe it’s not that big of a deal?’” Well my friend, when you get a nice and fat fine for doing that, you will know what kind of deal is.

Unfortunately, that mindset can quickly escalate into real problems—both for the park’s fragile ecosystem and for the drone community at large.

Drones vs. Wildlife: A Serious Problem

Yosemite’s landscapes are home to sensitive wildlife, from bears and deer to rare birds that nest on the cliffs. Even a single buzzing drone can cause panic, forcing animals to flee their habitats or abandon their young. This is the reason why drone flight bans exist in national parks across the United States.

And Yosemite isn’t alone. A recent incident in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park showed a drone pilot aggressively chasing a bear until it fled from a tree. The video, shared on Instagram’s “touronsofnationalparks” page, went viral and drew harsh criticism from both rangers and responsible drone pilots. Here you can see the idiot that was harassing the bear. Personally, I would love to see a video where the bear takes revenge.

These stories highlight a growing and dangerous divide between pilots who care and pilots who just… don’t. It’s a divide that gets wider every time someone chooses to ignore the rules.

It’s Not Just Drones

The sense of lawlessness in Yosemite goes beyond the drone issue. With limited oversight, BASE jumpers have been leaping off El Capitan in broad daylight. Campers are occupying unreserved spots, and hikers are reaching the summit of Half Dome without the required permits.

Tour guide Bryant Burnette said “People have been less friendly recently,” he said. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t care—one guy even flipped me off.”

It’s not just defiance; it’s a reflection of what happens when the systems that protect our parks lose the people who enforce the rules.

Even DJI Has Messed This Up

Even drone manufacturer DJI recently found itself under scrutiny for this very issue. The company posted a promotional video that included footage filmed over restricted areas like Yosemite and Yellowstone. Our editor wrote a very interesting and shared piece about it.

After criticism from drone advocates and park authorities, the video was taken down.

The incident served as a powerful reminder that even the major players in the drone industry can make mistakes—and that setting a good example matters.

DroneXL’s Take

It’s stories like this that just make my blood boil. Every single one of these illegal flights is a slap in the face to the entire community of responsible pilots. It’s the kind of selfish, reckless behavior that gives ammunition to every politician and regulator who wants to see our wings clipped.

“Real talk,” I get the temptation. I really do. As a professional videographer, I’ve looked at those granite cliffs and waterfalls and dreamed of the shots I could get. But being a professional—or even just a good pilot—is about knowing when not to fly.

These incidents in Yosemite and the Smokies aren’t just “careless mistakes.” They are a deliberate choice to ignore the rules and to disrespect the wildlife and the other visitors. The irony is that drone technology is an incredible tool for conservation and storytelling, but these pilots are ruining it for everyone.

The shutdown just exposed a sad truth: some people only follow the rules when they’re afraid of getting caught. Our responsibility as pilots doesn’t depend on who’s watching. It depends on us. Fly smart, respect the parks, and don’t be “that guy.” It’s that simple.

Photo credit: Instagram, DroneXL and Youtube