Wildlife Watching Tips
For Your Safety and Theirs
Published in
2 min readJul 10, 2017
It’s always a treat to spot wildlife while we spend time outside. Whether you’re out looking for them, or come across a few animals on your path, learning how to watch them without disturbing them can enrich your experience. Use these tips at a nearby national wildlife refuge or any place you’re exploring!
Respectful Observation Tips
- Walk quietly in designated areas, being aware of sights and sounds. Often you will hear more than you see.
- Don’t assume young animals are abandoned. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave.
- Observe from the sidelines — give wildlife room when possible.
- Teach children quiet observation. Other wildlife watchers will appreciate your consideration, and your kids will be more likely to observe wildlife.
Looking for Signs of Wildlife
Look for animal signs. Tracks, scat, and feathers left behind often tell interesting stories.
- Watch where animals are most likely to show up — drinking sites, trail intersections, perches, ledges and overlooks to open areas.
- Watch at dawn and dusk, when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
Bring the Right Tools to Enjoy Them
- To get close-up views, use binoculars, spotting scope or camera zoom lens.
- Use field guides and checklists to identify animal species and to learn where you are most likely to see them.
- Do not feed animals. Let them eat their natural foods. Your handouts could hurt their digestive systems, make them dependent on future handouts — or even kill them.
- Be patient. Don’t expect to see everything right away.
- Give nests a wide berth. You could frighten the parents away and leave eggs or young animals exposed to predators.
See great places to watch for wildlife at a national wildlife refuge near you!
These tips were repurposed from Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge website, here.
