National Park Service Pokemon Go PSA

Even though Pokémon GO doesn’t work all that well in rural places, the US National Park Service has seen a number of gamers trying to catch Pokémon at their locales and expect that number to increase. With that in mind, they’ve put out a new public service announcement in the hopes of making the experience safe for gamers and to also encourage them to drink in the beauty of their surroundings.

“In the last week, we’ve noticed visitors coming to national parks using their phones to look for elusive digital creatures,” says Director Jon Jarvis in the video above. “We’d like to welcome all you trainers to your national parks, where you might find more than just a new virtual companion. It’s exciting to explore new places, and the National Park Service has some great ones in store for you. We have icy tundra, grassy plains, gleaming mountains, placid farms, forests with towering trees and amazing rock formations. National parks are great places to see the best animals and learn the coolest stories. So, while you’re chasing virtual monsters to add to your collection, take a look around at the beauty of these places. Breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy the history. Parks are amazing places to run and play, to hike and bike, to wander and learn. Just make sure to keep your eyes open and stay safe. We don’t want you stumbling off the path or running into some of our real wildlife, while you’re looking for the flying, swimming and crawling creatures on your screens. Go have fun! Get out and explore! That’s why we’re here.

“And this year, the National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday with a campaign called ‘Find Your Park,’” he continued. “We’ve got more than 400 places for you to find, and we know you’ve gotta catch ’em all! Good Luck!”

Pokémon GO -Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Pikachu, and many other Pokémon have been discovered on planet Earth! Now’s your chance to discover and capture the Pokémon all around you—so get your shoes on, step outside, and explore the world. You’ll join one of three teams and battle for the prestige and ownership of Gyms with your Pokémon at your side. Pokémon are out there, and you need to find them. As you walk around a neighborhood, your smartphone will vibrate when there’s a Pokémon nearby. Take aim and throw a Poké Ball… You’ll have to stay alert, or it might get away!