Wildlife Watching Etiquette

The Biodiversity Trail is designed to provide opportunities for people to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. You can increase your viewing opportunities and the enjoyment for you and others by:

• using binoculars, spotting scopes and viewing blinds for a closer yet non-disruptive look at wildlife
• moving slowly and quietly to minimize disturbance
• avoiding scented lotions and colognes which can broadcast your presence
• staying clear of nests and dens so parents will not abandon young
• recognizing animal alarm signals and behavior changes
• avoiding artificial calls and lures which disrupt natural animal behavior
• resisting the impulse to offer human food, which can cause animals expecting handouts to become aggressive and is generally not healthy for wildlife
• photographing wildlife using a telephoto lens from a vehicle or viewing blind
• avoiding the urge to chase, herd, flush or make noises
• leaving plants and other natural features alone
• observing all rules and regulations
• returning the property to the condition it was when you arrived
• staying on trails and roads to minimize your impact on the environment
• helping others become responsible wildlife watchers

Report Wildlife Observations

Staff at most sites are very interested in what their visitors are seeing, and many keep detailed records of wildlife sightings and use these to help improve their habitat management programs. Report your observations or species lists to site staff, nature centers, or visitors centers. Or send them to: Conservation Science Office, 9401 Plaza Road Extension, Charlotte, NC 28215. Remember to include your contact information as well as the date, time, and specific location of your wildlife sighting. Even observations of the most common species can be useful. Call 704-432-4531 for more information.