Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
Landscapes and Ecosystems
- Intro
- Planning Resources
- Research Projects
- Articles & Stories
- Maps & Tools
- Reports & Publications
- Data
- Photos & Videos
- More
Wildlife Watching Etiquette
- Adjust your behavior to protect wildlife. Watch or photograph animals without knowingly
disturbing, chasing, or repeatedly flushing the animal in alarm. Keep a respectful
distance from nests and young, especially in hot, cold, or windy weather.
- Protect the natural surroundings. Stay on existing roads, trails, or pathways to
protect fragile ground cover. Leave the area as you found it (including gates).
- Respect the rights of others. Know and observe the laws, rules, and regulations
governing the site. Get prior permission to enter private or posted property. Be
considerate of others around you.
- Observers in groups have added responsibility. Remember that group actions have
magnified effects. Inform others in your group about these guidelines and monitor
so all behave responsibly.
- Don't tolerate unethical viewing behavior. If you witness inconsiderate or harmful
viewing etiquette, assess the situation and intervene if prudent. Otherwise, document
it in detail and promptly notify appropriate authorities.
- Don't pick up a young animal. It's safe to assume its mother left it
there temporarily and will return.
- If you find a nestling bird on the ground, gently and quickly return it to the nest.
- Teach children to leave young wildlife alone.
- If you believe an animal or bird is in danger or seriously hurt, call a local office of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Audubon Society or Oregon State Police.
Source
ODFW and USDA Forest Service.