Seeing wildlife in parks can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s a rare sighting. When you see wildlife in parks, it’s important to follow safe wildlife watching guidelines. The safety of these animals, as well as your safety, depends on it. Getting too close to wildlife can disturb their natural behaviors and cause unnecessary stress. Interacting with wildlife can also cause harm to both people and wildlife, including injury and disease.
You can help keep yourself and other visitors safe and wildlife wild by setting a good example! Remember to treat wildlife with proper caution and respect. The safety of these animals, as well as your safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple guidelines. Learn even more ways to #RecreateResponsibly.
Food Storage During Your Trip
- All food, garbage, toiletries and any scented items must be kept inside your vehicle or in a brown NPS food storage locker.
- All food items should only be an arm's reach away when not in a vehicle or storage locker. Wildlife are less likely to approach if a person is nearby.
- All of these items must be stored properly: canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests, sunscreen, bug repellant, fuel, items used for preparing or eating meals, etc.
- Pack out all uneaten food and food particles.
- Treat food wrappers and other garbage the same as food.
- Leave No Trace
