Wildlife watching
The Basics
Know before you go. Plan ahead and become familiar with regulations and activities happening on the refuge. Know when and where activities like hunting or other special events are occurring. You may want to schedule your trip to avoid popular times.
Be respectful of other visitors. Sometimes, we can’t avoid times of high use. After all, the best times for wildlife viewing are reliant on the season and time of day. Remember, other visitors enjoy watching wildlife, too.
Be a Good Steward
View from a distance. Give wildlife plenty of space. This is important for the animal's well-being and your safety. To view wildlife up close without disturbing it, use a zoom lens, binoculars or a spotting scope.
Do not disturb. Be respectful of nesting and denning areas. Avoid using amplified noises that may harm animals by frightening or misleading them. If you encounter wildlife (small or large), don’t touch — just enjoy the show. You may even see a sick or injured bird or animal. If you’re concerned, reach out to refuge staff.
Never feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife is dangerous for wildlife and people. Sharing your food can sicken an animal or encourage it to approach humans in the future, expecting a snack.
Leave pets at home. Pets are required to be on a leash when outside your vehicle. Regardless, leaving your furry companions at home may be a good idea because they may scare small animals or become prey for larger ones.
Pack it in. Pack it out. Whether it’s the wrapper from a snack or scraps of food, be sure to keep your trash and food waste with you to dispose of at home. Make sure to look over rest areas for accidental droppings — and collect them before leaving.
Leave No Trace. The phrase refers to a framework of seven principles that guide all adventurers to have a low impact while outdoors. Many of the tips we share on this page are variations of those seven principles.
Wondering what to bring?
- Water —Stay hydrated. Bonus points if you bring a reusable bottle.
- Sun protection —Those rays may be fiercer than you realize. Wear long-sleeve shirts, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, no matter the season.
- Bug repellent — At certain times of the year, insects can be a nuisance. Be ready.
- Binoculars or spotting scope — This is a pro’s favorite. Binoculars and spotting scopes can help you see small and/or distant wildlife that would otherwise be easy to miss. Being able to see wildlife in detail from afar also will keep you safe.
- Camera — For most purposes, your phone will do. Take home the memories of your visit, share and tag us on Facebook or Twitter.
- Naturalist guide — This can be a brochure or even an app on your phone. Naturalist guides are a handy tool to help you identify birds and fauna alike.
- Journal — If sketching or writing is your thing, a journal can be a fun way to explore a refuge. Even if you aren’t the next Pablo Picasso or Maya Angelou, doodling and writing down observations and questions can be a fun way to learn your way around the trails.
