B.A.R.K. Ranger

Cape Lookout National Seashore welcomes your pets!

Your furry friends can join you as you explore over 50 miles of beach, hike the trail at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, or camp under the starry night sky! Before you sent out of your adventure, learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe visit on the seashore.

 

Cape Lookout National Seashore B.A.R.K. Ranger CALO smiles outside of Harkers Island Visitor Center.

NPS Photo/S.Godin

Learn the B.A.R.K Principles:

B = Bag Your Pet's Waste

• Keep Cape Lookout clean by collecting all dog waste. There are no trash cans on the barrier islands. Do not throw bags into the dunes or the ocean. Bring the bags back with you to dispose of properly.

• Dog waste is not a natural fertilizer. Dogs can carry disease such as parvovirus, giardia and roundworms into the park's wildlife populations. Water sources may also be polluted by dog feces.

A = Always Leash Your Pet

• All pets must be a on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m). This keeps your pet from getting lost or entering wildlife protection zones. Dogs can disturb protected bird species nests or startle a horse. Keep you and your pet safe by keeping them on a leash.

• Not everyone is a dog person no matter how friendly and well behaved your dog may be. Dog friendly areas are a privilege that could be lost if leash regulations are not followed.

• Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors. Leashes also protect the experience of other visitors who may be afraid, allergic, or who do not want a dog approaching them.

• Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

R = Respect Wildlife

• When viewing wildlife maintain at least 50 feet (15 m). Wild animals are unpreditable and can harm you and your pet. If your presence changes the animal’s behavior, you are too close.

• Be especially careful around the nests of birds and other wildlife

• The scent left behind by a dog can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife. Small animals may hide in their burrow the entire day after smelling a dog and may not venture out to feed.

• Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.

K = Know Where To Go

• Pets are permitted on most of the seashore. They are not allowed in visitor centers or other buildings. These rules do not apply to service animals.

 

Follow these steps to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Cape Lookout National Seashore:

1. Pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger brochure at the Harkers Island Visitor Center or Great Island Cabin Camp.
2. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles.
3. Complete at least one of the activities listed on the brochure card.
4. Return to Harkers Island Visitor Center or Great Island Cabin Camp to sign your certificate.
5. Want to award your pet with a BARK Ranger dog tag? Owners are able to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar tag at the Eastern National Park Store.

Safety Reminders:

• Make sure you pack enough water for you and your furry friends.
• During the summer, the beach, pavement, and boardwalks are VERY HOT. These surfaces can easily burn pet's paws. If its too hot for your feet, its too hot for theirs.