Wildlife Viewing

 

Using the zoom function on your camera can be a great way to safely view wildlife from a distance, and create lasting memories of your experience!

Photo by Will Greene, Friends of Acadia, NPS

 

Driving the speed limit helps keep everyone safe and increases your chances of seeing wildlife!

Photo by Emma Forthofer, Friends of Acadia, NPS

Are there otters in Otter Cove? Seals in Seal Harbor? Eagles at Eagle Lake?

As anyone who has had the good fortune of experiencing it knows, there’s nothing quite like spotting a wild animal in its natural habitat. In fact, one of the many reasons that visitors come to Acadia each year is the opportunity to see wildlife. While seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, knowing a little more will increase the likelihood and make those chance encounters even sweeter. All it takes is patience, keen senses and a little luck! For suggestions on locations in the park with potential for wildlife sightings, check out this Tour de Wildlife.

Wildlife Etiquette and Safety

Keep your distance

Please give the animals the space they need! Depending on the animal, there are recommended safe distances to view them at.

Stay on the trail

Stepping off trail to get a closer view can disrupt wildlife and can cause damage to the fragile ecosystems in the park.

Don’t feed animals

Feeding wildlife can habituate them to human presence and hurt their chances of survival.

Make your campsite or picnic wildlife safe

All human food and pet food must be stored in a hard-sided food locker or enclosed vehicle when not in use. Additionally, make sure to clean up your site when you leave, and dispose of garbage properly. Even though black bear sightings are rare, racoons and other animals with a great sense of smell can still become negatively impacted when trash and food is improperly stored.

Slow down for wildlife

The park speed limits exist to keep visitors and wildlife safe. Use extra caution when driving at dawn, dusk or nighttime, as these tend to be the hours when wildlife is most active.

 

Keep your distance and stay safe when viewing wildlife.

 

Wildlife Viewing FAQs

Can I approach or pet wild animals in Acadia?

Many seemingly docile animals can react violently to pets and people if approached. For your safety do not approach wildlife and always keep pets on a leash.

What if I think the animal needs help?

Seeing a baby deer on its own or a seal pup on a beach may seem like a cry for help. However, many times this is normal animal behavior. Interfering with the animal may do more harm than good.

But what if the animal approaches me?

Wildlife may not know better, but YOU do. Although it may feel flattering if any kind of wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain a safe distance. It’s your responsibility and your safety - help us keep wildlife wild. If you have a wildlife emergency, call park dispatch at 207-288-8791 or 911.

Where can I see a moose? Are there bears here?

These common questions that rangers get about wildlife often pertain to “the big two”—moose and bears. Even though Maine is well known for both, it’s very rare to see either in Acadia. On Mount Desert Island, many years can pass between confirmed moose sightings. For the very patient visitor, the Schoodic Peninsula provides a slightly better chance to see a Moose because of its attachment to the mainland.Black bear are present throughout Acadia but are infrequently spotted. For better moose and bear sighting opportunities, head north to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument or some of Maine’s beautiful state parks.

So what CAN I see?

Even if you don’t see a bear or a moose, don’t fret! There is still a lot to see if you know where and how to look. Besides, painted turtles, peregrine falcons, porcupines and harbor porpoises need fan clubs too! Use our wildlife pages to learn more about the incredible species that call Acadia home, and check out the tips below for a safe and successful wildlife adventure.

What if I see something unusual?

If you see a very rare animal or invasive wildlife, please let us know.

 

Pack, Plan, and Prepare

 

Items to Bring

Field guide: buy or loan a field guide that will help you identify what you’re looking at! You can also check out the NPSpecies List and search for Acadia National Park to find a list of known species in the park.

Binoculars: for looking at those tiny songbirds far away or a seal’s head poking out of the water. Binoculars also help ensure that you maintain a safe distance while viewing wildlife.

Journal: bring one along to keep a record of all the amazing observations you’ve made.

Camera: use one with a zoom lens to capture memories and maintain safe viewing distance. Feel free to bring your photos of unknown species to a ranger who can help you identify it-- or for proof in the chance that you really did see a moose!

 

Listen for the chattering and chirping of red squirrels while exploring the park--but don't be tempted by that cute face! Feeding wildlife is dangerous and negatively affects the health of these animals.

Photo by Yehyun Kim, Friend of Acadia, NPS

Know your habitats and habits

If there is a specific animal you’re hoping to see, read up on what types of environments it likes to live in and when it is the most active. For example, many mammal species such as beavers are crepuscular—meaning they’re most active at dusk and dawn.

Appreciate the locals

It’s human nature to look for things that are big, new and different. When you’re exploring the park, take a minute to observe what’s around you. What are the ants doing? What kind of bird sings that song? There’s always something new to learn about an animal—even one you’ve observed 100 times. Plus, if you stare at a red squirrel long enough, it’s impossible not to smile.

 

Virtual Wildlife Viewing