A bobcat slips through the trees. A bird lands on a nearby branch. A turtle slowly makes its way across the trail.
When this happens on a hike or camping trip, a kid’s first instinct might be to get closer.
Not so fast, say wildlife biologists Selena Birgit Kiser and Mark Kiser. The best option is probably to do nothing. The Kisers are wildlife advocates and frequent contributors to Scout Life magazine. For them, respecting wildlife means admiring animals without harming or frightening them.
Here are their tips for becoming better wildlife stewards:
Keep your distance
The best way to watch a wild animal is from far enough away that it doesn’t know you’re there.
Watch the animal, not your camera. If it stops what it’s doing, becomes nervous, or moves away, you’re too close. That’s especially important to remember when you’re taking pictures or video. Never chase an animal or make it move just so you can get a better shot.
“Admire them, but from a distance,” Mark says.
Never, ever touch wild animals
Even if an animal looks friendly, remember: It’s wild. Kids might not know whether a snake is venomous, for example. And even animals that aren’t dangerous can bite or scratch when they feel threatened. Handling wildlife also can stress the animal or cause an injury.
If you find an injured animal, don’t try to become its veterinarian. Instead, tell an adult and contact a wildlife rehabilitator who knows how to help.
“We’ve taken numerous wildlife to our local animal hospital for rehabilitation, including injured birds, turtles and squirrels,” Selena says. “But as biologists, we know which animals we can safely handle. You could get hurt doing this yourself, so find an expert to help.”
Even “never, ever” has exceptions.
In some instances — with help from adults — wildlife can be helped. For example, carrying a box turtle across a road could save its life. Just make sure it’s also safe for the person carrying the turtle. Some animals, children can easily help. Try to save a life if you see a butterfly or tree frog caught inside a building or car. If you see an earthworm or moth who might be drowning in a bird bath, use your best judgement on whether to intervene. If you’re not sure, find an adult.
Let animals rest
Most likely, if an animal isn’t doing anything, it’s resting to gather energy for survival behavior like hunting or mating. So leave them alone. That’s particularly important to remember around shorebirds. Walking through a flock of birds can cause them to scatter when they should be feeding, nesting or simply taking a break. In some places, eggs or chicks can be especially vulnerable.
You probably don’t like to be bothered while sleeping. The same can be said for wildlife.
Stay on the trail
Trails help protect the plants, soil and animals living around them.So don’t leave the trail to get closer to an animal, find an interesting plant or take a shortcut. Obey signs and park rules, especially when sensitive areas are closed for restoration or to protect wildlife.
And when you’re camping, follow good outdoor ethics. Leave live trees alone, protect water sources and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Keep it quiet
Wild animals don’t know that kids are just excited to see them. Sudden loud noises can frighten wildlife and cause animals to hide or flee. Keep voices low when you’re hiking through an area where animals might be nearby.
“There’s another benefit,” Selena says. “When you get quiet, you can hear things you might otherwise miss — bird songs, squirrels chittering and the sounds of the forest around you.”
Don’t feed wildlife by hand
Feeding a wild animal might seem like a fun way to get close, but it can teach animals to associate people with food. That can create problems. Animals might start relying on people instead of their hunting or foraging skills, or they could become aggressive when they expect another meal. People food can also make animals sick, which is why you should always pack out scraps and leftovers instead of leaving them.
Keep pets under control
Dogs and other pets can chase wildlife, disturb nests and scare animals away from food or resting areas. Keep dogs on a leash when required, and don’t let pets run loose around wildlife (including squirrels). Cats also can be a major threat to wild animals, so it’s best to keep them inside.
Help wildlife where you live
You don’t need to live next to a national park to help wildlife.
A backyard, patio or balcony can become a small wildlife haven. Plant flowers or native plants that provide food for birds, butterflies and other creatures. Birdbaths, birdhouses and feeders can help too. Avoiding unnecessary pesticides and fertilizers is another way to make your space more wildlife-friendly.
If you don’t have outdoor space, you can still become a wildlife watcher. Grab some binoculars, visit a park or take a walk around your neighborhood.
“Try to imagine what life is like for the animal you’re watching,” Mark says. “Make their lives better without interfering. The best way to appreciate wildlife is to give it the space to remain wild.”
Photo: Getty Images/Patrick Whittaker
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