Wildlife viewing is the activity of watching and enjoying wildlife species in their natural environment. The activity may be as simple as observing a backyard bird feeder, or as adventurous as a moonlit hike through a canyon to watch nocturnal animals scurry about under the cover of dark. It is also called watchable wildlife.

Watching wildlife is a lifelong learning experience. It can begin at any age and everyone can participate.

- It can provide a fun and inexpensive activity for the entire family to enjoy together. - It is a relaxing experience that provides a reconnection to nature. - Observers can gain a better understanding of how wildlife acts in their natural environment, including how they forage for food, where they live and their interactions with other wildlife.

 

- Seeing wildlife can leave a viewer with a positive, unforgettable, and personal experience that they will recall for years to come. - Wildlife viewing experiences can help inspire conservation efforts to benefit wildlife. - It benefits wildlife through a heightened public awareness of the value of wildlife and habitat, and the need to conserve irreplaceable assets.

Wildlife Viewing Areas occur in every state! Let us help you spot your favorite animal...be it a fish, mammal, reptile or amphibian.

Need some wildlife viewing tips?

Fade into the woodwork by wearing natural colors and unscented lotions. Clothes that don't rustle are best.

Keep your distance and use binoculars or scopes. This allows you to observe animals without disturbing them.

Let animals eat their natural foods. Sharing your sandwich, or other foods, with them may harm their digestive systems that are adapted to natural foods. Animals may become conditioned to handouts, eventually losing their fear of people and/or vehicles. This may put them, and you, into potentially dangerous situations. Instead, spend some time to watch and learn what natural foods they prefer.

Sometimes you will 'see' more by sitting quietly for a while with your eyes closed. Your ears may hear what is not readily visible to your eyes.

Be easy to be with by moving like molasses: slow, smooth and steady. If you must advance, take a roundabout route, never move directly toward an animal. Avert your gaze as animals may interpret a direct stare as a threat.

Think like an animal. As a rule, the border between two habitats is a good place to see residents from both habitats.

Figure out the best time if day for viewing by imaging an animal's daily schedule. When does it feed? Rest? Bathe? Drink? Dawn and dusk are usually good bets. A dry, hot, sunny afternoon is not the best time to look.

Plants and the landscape are important parts of wildlife habitat. Please do not damage or remove them, and stay on designated trails or roads.

Keep pets on a leash at all times. Pets can harm wildlife, and reduce viewing opportunities.

- Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regard to seasonal restrictions

- Do not feed the local wildlife

- Take precautions against bird watching or viewing wildlife in an area that may be dangerous in the case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal viewing area

- Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other campers and recreationists - Do not birdwatch or view / photograph wildlife in unauthorized areas - Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio