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The natural preserve of our National Parks,
Monuments, and Forests offer plentiful opportunities for you
to observe a variety of native animals in their wild state.
However, the animals have a problem that
you can help them overcome. Many of them are being fed, either
intentionally from someone's hand, or unintentionally by people
who leave food out or fail to put garbage in the containers
provided.
By feeding or petting a wild animal, you
help make that animal less wild. Many deer and bears have
abandoned berries and leaves and insects to seek human food
and garbage near the lodges and in campgrounds.
Some animals fed and petted by humans become
unpredictable and even dangerous. Their threat to human safety
may result in their destruction. Should wildlife suffer for
the pleasure you derive from feeding and petting them?
Pets can frighten, injure, and even kill
wildlife. Or your pet may be injured or killed in an encounter
with a wild animal. For these reasons, pets are required to
be on a leash at all times and are not permitted on any Park
trails.
Being kicked by a deer's sharp hooves or
clawed by a bear or bitten by a raccoon cannot be a pleasant
or rewarding experience.
Do not feed wildlife. It has long been known
that wildlife can be easily habituated to human feeding, causing
localized populations to become dependent on humans for food.
This can cause severe stress and often death when animals,
dependent on handouts, do not return to natural food sources
during harsh times-winter, for instance.
Never approach or attempt to handle any
wild animal. All animals will defend themselves if they feel
threatened or cornered. Even rabbits will bite to protect
their young. By approaching or harassing wildlife, you are
placing great stress on the animal and endangering yourself.
Outdoor Ethics Tips
- Tread lightly in areas where wildlife is present. By staying on designated trails and routes, critical habitats are protected.
- Stick to the sidelines. Animals are especially vulnerable during the spring season. Enjoy wildlife watching from a safe and respectful distance.
- Come to your senses. Our eyes, ears, and noses can provide clues about the presence of wildlife around us. Big eyes, big ears, and small mouths are the order of the day for successful wildlife watchers.
- Let wild animals be wild. They're cute, but they are also wild animals. Don't feet or entice animals into your camp. Wild animals that become dependent on humans often become a nuisance and have to be destroyed.
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