Naturewatch Tips
| Take a tip from the pros. By following this code of ethics you will be rewarded with the gift of observing nature on nature’s terms, not ours. Slow down. Engage your senses. |  |
The Wildlife Watcher’s Code of Ethics
(adopted by the National Partners in Watchable Wildlife)
We, as wildlife watchers, will put the needs and safety of wildlife first, conserve wildlife and habitats, and respect the rights of others. We will seek wildlife watching experiences that reward us with the gift of seeing animals behaving naturally in their own environments. Recognizing the importance of learning specific codes of ethics for observing birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects in the wild, we will adhere to these guiding principles:
1. Observe animals from a safe distance for us and for them:
- Use binoculars, spotting scopes and viewing blinds for a close view.
- Move slowly and quietly.
- Avoid nests and dens. Leave baby birds and other young animals where we find them.
- Learn to recognize and respect wildlife alarm signals.
- When an animal changes behavior as a result of our presence, we are too close.
2. Allow wild animals to forage for their natural foods.
- Put the safety and health of wildlife first by resisting that impulse to offer a handout.
- Reserve feeding of wildlife to backyard birds.
3. Film and photograph wildlife responsibly.
- Use a telephoto lens from a viewing blind or a vehicle.
- Never chase, herd, flush or make deliberate noise that stresses wildlife.
- Leave plants, trees and other natural features as we found them.
- Encourage photo and film editors to adopt ethical standards that include lens size of published photos, depict wildlife as part of a natural environment, and identify photos of captured wildlife.
4. Always be considerate.
- Ask permission to watch or photograph wildlife on private land.
- Observe all rules and regulations.
- Wait our turn to view or photograph animals when sharing a viewing area.
- Leave pets at home or in the car.
- Tread lightly, staying on trails and roads.
5. Return a gift to nature in all our actions.
- Consult our local wildlife agency for specific guidelines on ethical wildlife watching, filming and photography.
- Participate in wildlife and habitat conservation.
- Help others to become responsible wildlife watchers
