Wildlife Watchers Code of Ethics

U.S. National Partners in Watchable Wildlife

• Respect wildlife
• Respect wildlife habitat
• Respect other wildlife viewers and property
• Respect the "wildness" of wildlife

Observe animals from a safe distance for us and for them:

• Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and viewing blinds for a close look.
• Move slowly and quietly.
• Avoid nests and dens. Leave baby birds and other 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.

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.

Film and photogragh 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.

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.

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.