Some of the human company you’ll encounter at wildlife refuges here in the east may not exactly be the polite-thinking-type, or the thinking-type at all. The optimistic side of my brain says they act that way because they simply don’t know any better. The pessimistic side says they do it because they just don’t care. Maybe it’s a combination of the two.
So I’ve compiled a short list of my outdoors etiquette in an effort to try and educate folks that might not have thought about some of this stuff before… some are obvious, some are not so obvious. Pass it on and teach others about the importance of not disturbing wildlife and their fellow outdoorspeople. I will say that this list probably applies more to wildlife refuges (where people come to solely observe and photograph wildlife) more than state or national parks, but some of the following guidelines are applicable just about anywhere outside…
- STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
First and foremost… if you’re in a wildlife refuge meant to be driven through, please, for the love of god… stay in your car or truck. There have been times I’ve wanted to put a sign in my rear window that says exactly that. Why? Why does this matter? Because animals generally don’t see cars as a threat. I suppose they look like large, slow moving metal hippos, or something that just doesn’t compute as “this will kill you”. Drive slowly, and stay in your car. Remember: 99% of all animals are hard-wired to run or fly away the instant they see (or smell) a human face or the shape of a human body. The 1% that don’t run are the ones that are really curious or want to eat you. Stay in your car, it acts as a blind and you’ll be able to get a lot closer. Try it and see. You get a pass for being outside your vehicle If you’re the type who wants to setup a tripod nearby and do some “stationary active viewing”. - SLOW DOWN BUT DON’T BLOCK THE ROAD.
This one really gets me, especially on unpaved dirt roads. Yes, you.. the jackass in the Super-Duty F5000 pickup, or the kid in the 1992 Integra with the tinted windows and “tuned” exhaust. If you’re kicking up a dust cloud the size of Alaska, you’re going too damn fast. It’s a wildlife refuge, not the Dakar Rally. Those jaw-dropping looks people are giving you aren’t because they think you’re cool. They are flat-out amazed at your callous stupidity. Slow the fuck down. You’re scaring away the stuff I’m trying to watch and getting a load of dust on my gear. I hope you crash and burn. Older folks: Please, pull over to the side and stop blocking the whole road. There are pull-offs made just for this. Use them. - WATCH YOUR NOISE LEVELS AND DON’T MAKE SUDDEN MOVEMENTS.
Quiet observation is key, and you’d be amazed how far your voice can carry. Speak softly and if you have children do not bring them unless they’re old enough to listen and use soft voices as well. Try to avoid any type of car noise (squealing brakes, leaning on the horn, engine noise, radio, etc.) If you’re in an area where you do have to get out of the car, walking slowly and softly is always appreciated. Also try to not move your arms and legs about wildly or make any sudden moves, as this will only startle and frighten animals – especially birds. - AVOID EYE CONTACT AND BRIGHT CLOTHES.
Staring directly at an animal is something predators do. Instead of staring, try to take quick glances every few seconds, keeping the animal in sight through your peripheral vision. Also wear muted, natural colored clothing. Avoid bright reds, yellows and strange patterns. - BE PATIENT.
If you see a photographer lining up a shot, or watching an animal you know will flee if you approach – back off or wait just a few minutes to allow them to have the same type of opportunity you would enjoy. There’s almost nothing worse than watching and waiting for that incredible shot, only to have it ruined by someone else rushing in next to you. Scratch that, there is something worse: Watching and waiting for that incredible shot only to have it ruined by someone rushing in AND getting out of their vehicle and in the way. I’ve given people the finger over this on occasion and they always seem to understand why – only after it’s too late. - KEEP A MODEST DISTANCE AND BE ALERT TO OTHERS LINE OF SIGHT.
Just like fishing. You wouldn’t park yourself two feet away from a guy with his line in the water and then try to cast into the same spot he’s fishing, would you? Same principle, almost the same distances. Keep a decent “fishing distance” and nobody will get pissy. Also try to be conscious of where you park, drive, stand or walk. Avoid blocking your neighbors picture or view. - DO NOT ENGAGE IN ENDLESS GEAR TALK.
Brief “hey, how are you” chit-chat is cool. 15 minutes of rambling about the new lens you’re using or an endless stream of questions and comments is just unacceptable. This isn’t the social hour down at the local bar. I’m here to observe wildlife and shoot photographs. Please let me concentrate on doing that. - RESPECT ALL WILD ANIMALS. DO NOT CHASE, ANNOY OR PAPARAZZI THEM.
I see this every weekend. A fox is walking on the side of the road, doing her thing. Then a guy and his wife pull up in their minivan ten feet behind the fox and jump out with cameras in hand. Fox runs. Guy and wife return to the minivan and drive up behind the fox again. Both jump out with cameras in hand. Fox runs again. Rinse, repeat. Eventually the fox trots off into the heavier brush of the marsh, but not until she’s been thoroughly chased by the idiots. These are wild animals folks. Let them walk by you, get a few shots and then leave them alone. That’s how it’s supposed to work. The goal is to observe wild animals without changing their behavior and natural activity. For once, I’d find it completely hilarious if the fox suddenly turned around and pulled a Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog on the necks of those idiots. - LEAVE DOGS AT HOME.
It is illegal to take pets into many parks and wildlife refuges, however, I still see people doing it. Pets can startle, chase or even kill wildlife – or be killed by wildlife. Refuges are not dog parks. Dogs do two things incredibly well when you bring them to a refuge: They chase and scare wildlife away, and they shit wherever they please. Please leave the mutt(s) at home. - NEVER FEED WILD ANIMALS.
‘Nuff said. Don’t do it.
Thanks for the great list of tips, Joel. As a wildlife vieiwng program coordinator “out west,” i appreciate your voice. My question: how can we persuade more people to adapt these ethics? I wish i knew, as you wonder, whether it is not knowing or not caring – i’m sure there’s a different approach for reaching each group. Thanks and happy wildlife watching.
Hey Karen,
First – thank you so much for your comment and question. It’s always nice to know there are other folks out there who can relate. Second – may I say I am truly envious of your job title! I’ve been trying to get out west and visit your wonderful state for the last several years, and can’t wait a whole lot longer. I’ll probably be heading out next spring to see some fourteener’s and experience the high country firsthand
To answer your question: I truly believe the only way to get people to adopt the same mindset is education and awareness. Getting the word out there where people can see it is the real challenge, and I think your “sandwich board” alert signs along with pamphlets are an absolutely fantastic way to do just that. I wish our state DCNR and the FWS would consider putting some small signs such as these: http://bit.ly/q5kX1 throughout refuges and parks to alert visitors not only to animal activity, but remind them of basic outdoor etiquette as well.
I also think that a good ‘ol human to human “hey, don’t know if you knew this or not… ” can go a long way, especially with the younger crowd that hasn’t been exposed as much to the “ways of the wilderness”.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment, and happy wildlife watching to you as well!