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Is Pokémon Go Going Where It Shouldn't?

Cincinnati Zoo
/
Provided
A user playing the game prepares to capture a type of Pokémon called a Spearow."

If you're seeing a lot more people than usual walking around outdoors staring at their smartphones, it's a good bet they're playing the new augmented-reality game, Pokémon Go.

Players are chasing virtual creatures all over town including at Great American Ball Park and the Cincinnati Zoo, where there's some concern Pokémon could show up where they don't belong.

The zoo's Angela Hatke says there are at least 20 "Poké Stops" inside the zoo, "usually by statues like the cheetah statue or the reptile house, different exhibits like that."

The zoo is trying to contact the game's developers to make sure none of the mythical creatures show up where they shouldn't, like in exhibits.

I don't think that there should be a problem but, definitely, we do want people to be aware of their surroundings, and pay attention to what they're doing, and to stay on all the paths.

"We just want to reach out and see if there's specifics, how close (people) have to be to the Pokémon. Just to get some details about how they picked which spots they did for the Poké Stops.

Hatke adds, "From what I've seen, they have to be pretty much right where you're standing or right near you. I don't think that there should be a problem but, definitely, we do want people to be aware of their surroundings, and pay attention to what they're doing, and to stay on all the paths."
 

It's unclear if the game can distinguish between public and private property. It does include a warning to be alert at all times while playing and not to trespass..

Since the game's release last Wednesday, there have been numerous media reports of people getting injured or into trouble chasing Pokémon when they shouldn't, like while driving.

The game works by laying a transparent world over top of the real world using your phone's camera. The phone's GPS then allows players to search for nearby mythical creatures. They can show up anywhere, including the office, parks, streets, and according to an Instagram post from the Cincinnati Reds, the ballpark.

Just don't try running onto the field to capture one.
 

These ballpark visitors are looking forward to seeing you at Friday's game. #pokemon A photo posted by Cincinnati Reds (@reds) on Jul 11, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.