Nature Viewing

Safety Tips

• Observe animals from a safe distance

  For the safety and comfort of both animals and people, keep a safe distance between you and the animal you are observing. If an animal changes its behavior, stops eating or seems nervous in your presence, it’s time to back away.

• Signs you are too close

  If the animals you are observing have their heads up, ears pointed toward you, or appear agitated or nervous when you move, you are probably too close! Sit or stand very quietly, without making eye contact, or move slowly away to a safer distance.

• Unexpected, stressed or aggressive behavior

  Avoid animals that behave unexpectedly or aggressively. They may be ill, injured, or have young nearby. Use the animals’ behavior as a guide. Limit the time you spend watching if animals appear to be stressed.

• Pets

  Leave your pets at home. Pets hinder wildlife watching. They can chase, injure, or kill wildlife, or be injured or killed.

• Viewing during winter

  Wildlife viewing ethics are particularly important during the winter, when animals are under stress from cold and reduced food supplies. Being chased may cause them to lose critical fat, which may threaten their survival. You are using more energy, and so are the animals. Maintain distance and do not cause animals to change their behavior.

• Proper movement

  Move slowly and casually, not directly at wildlife. Allow animals to keep you in view and do not surprise them. Avoid eye contact and watch from the corner of your eye. Animals at rest need to remain at rest. Don't do anything that might make them move.

• Young wildlife

  Be especially sensitive to and cautious around adults with young.

• Harassing wildlife

  Never chase or harass wildlife. Harassment of wildlife is unlawful and can be extremely harmful.

• Do not feed wild animals

  It can change their behavior in ways that can be harmful both to them and to people.

• Stay quiet and still

  Noise and quick movements mean danger to wildlife. They may run or fly off, sometimes leaving their nests or young unprotected.

• Clothing

  Wear earth-tone clothes, like gray, khaki and olive green. Animals will tolerate you better if you blend into the surroundings.

• Spotting wildlife

  Look to the edges of the landscape, where the forest meets the meadow for example, because many wildlife species spend time along habitat edges. Look for movement, shapes and color contrasts. Motion is the best giveaway. Also, look for parts of an animal such as its head, tail, ear, wing or antler.

• Use your car as a viewing blind

  Pull safely off the road. Respect others who are viewing the same animals.