Respect Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing Tips
We've all had it happen. You look up from the trail just in time to see an animal dive out of sight - a swoop of wing, a flash of antler, a slap of beaver's tail.
The truth is, most animals see, hear, or smell us long before we are aware of their presence. They observe us and, depending on how far away we are and how we act, they decide to stay, defend themselves or flee. Even fleeing from us robs them of precious energy.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways that you can help blend into an animal's surroundings. Here are but a few. If you follow these practical tips, you'll be treated to a wildlife show that makes your heart pound and your senses hum!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 nest 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.
- Always keep pets on a leash. Pets can harm wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities.
Keep Me Wild: Black Bear
Before you travel in bear country, take a few minutes to educate yourself on bears and co-existing with them safely. The CA Department of Fish and Game has a brochure available on-line entitled, Living with California Black Bears. Also check out Be Bear Aware for tips on hiking and camping in bear country and don't miss a great video.
Keep Me Wild: Mountain Lion
In July 2019, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the Commission to list mountain lions as threatened under CESA within a proposed ESU located in Southern California and along the central coast of California. Help prevent unwanted conflicts with these beautiful wild animals. Do your part, keep them wild.
Human Wildlife Conflicts
California is home to nearly 40 million people living alongside some of the most fascinating and iconic species in North America. Human-wildlife “conflict” (HWC) occurs when humans and wild animals interact in an unwanted or unsafe way. Population growth and a changing climate is increasing the frequency and severity of HWC as wildlife encounter humans more often in their search for food, shelter, and water.