National parks are sanctuaries for all kinds of amazing wildlife. Depending on what park you visit and what area of the country you are at, you may see anything from lizards, squirrels, snakes, bears, or alligators!
Here is a list of the most popular animals across many of the parks that you might see on one of your visits.
It is important to remember that these parks are the animals’ homes. We are simply guests in these beautiful habitats and we need to ensure that we are respecting the wildlife and their space.
If you spot wildlife, it is crucial that you keep your distance. You should let those around you know so everyone can be safe and respectful of the animal. National parks require you to be 25 yards away from most wildlife and 100 yards away from predators likes bears and wolves.
If should also never feed wildlife! Let wildlife stay wild; they can gather their own food. It is not safe of healthy for them to eat human food. It is best for them to stick to their normal diets.
Its ok to watch and take pictures but do not disturb the animals. Interacting with wild animals can be dangerous for both you and the animal. It can cause injury or disease. Wildlife are very unpredictable especially if they feel threatened, disturbed, or surprised. It is illegal to “feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife.” You should always be alert when around wildlife.
When in the parks, it is essential that you store your food properly, as animals can smell even packed foods and are attracted to it. If animals know you have food, they can become aggressive. Keep picnic areas and campsites clean for your safety and the safety of others. Clean up crumbs, pack away your food (even packed food) in containers, and dispose of your garage in the proper containers. You don’t want a bear coming onto the campsite because they smelled your sandwich!
When hiking, you never know what wildlife you will see. It is important to be aware of your surrounding and avoiding wildlife encounters (wildlife is great but from afar). To be safe, when hiking you should never be alone. It is best to be in a group or have a hiking buddy.
Wildlife wants to avoid close encounters with you just about as much as we do. Therefore, it is important that animals are aware of hikers and aren’t surprised. When you hike, you and group should make noise—talking, laughing, singing, etc. In dangerous situations, it is good to have a whistle that you can sound.
If you do have a close encounter with wildlife, it is important that you are prepared and know what to do. Never get in the way of a mother and her young. The mother may get protective if she feels that you are a threat to her young. Don’t stand in the way between them. If you are in close contact with an animal, back away slowly and talk slow and quiet. You don’t want to pose as a threat so it is best to not panic and calming get out of the situation.
Many hikers carry bear spray with them to be safe. This spray is a very strong pepper spray that can be used on bears and other large animals. It can be bought or rented at the national parks. A ranger can give you information on how to properly use it in last resort situations. (Warning: this is a last resort protection measure. Do not spray into the wind. Leave the area immediately after spraying. Know how to use it before hiking)
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