The Ethics of Wildlife Watching
Given the shortness of the seasons, harshness of the climate, predators,
migrations, and other hazards, animals sometimes live on a thin edge.
Wildlife watchers should observe a few simple rules to be sure their
pleasure in watching an animal doesnt upset this precarious balance of
survival:
- Never approach an animal too closely. Use binoculars or a spotting
scope to get a close view.
- Watch for signs of agitation. Every creature has its own tolerance of
human presence. If you notice any sign that the animal is disturbed by
your activity, move off.
- Never linger at a nest or burrow for more than a few moments. Some
species may abandon young if their nest is disturbed or if theyre
repeatedly flushed away from their nest.
- Never handle the young of any animal. Keep a respectful distance.
- Never chase an animal from a spot. While one area may look much the
same as another to us, animals have their preferred breeding, feeding,
watering, resting, and mating spots. Chasing them off to a less
desirable spot may deprive them of resources and cause them to burn
precious energy they need to survive. Keep in mind that you are not the
only person who may stop and observe.
- Sometimes in national parks or other highly used areas, wildlife can
seem tame. Never feed the animals or bait them to come closer to you.
- Never remove vegetation just to get a better photograph. Animals may
use that vegetation as cover or for food or bedding.
- Sharing the landscape with wildlife is a privilege. Treat it that way.
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