How to Respect Local
Wildlife When Traveling
Encountering exotic wildlife is among the most rewarding travel
experiences we can have. There's an increasing awareness that we should
be mindful of the effect our behavior can have on wildlife. Whether you're
hiking through a national park or heading off on a safari adventure, you
have a responsibility to ensure that such encounters are ethical. Here are
some tips on how to respect local wildlife when traveling.
Credit: Ana Gram/Shutterstock
Keep a Safe Distance From Wildlife
In our selfie and social media-obsessed world, it's
easy to get caught up in the moment when we see an
opportunity for an amazing wildlife shot. However, there's
a reason national park authorities request that we stay
a safe distance away. Things can quickly turn ugly if an
animal is startled or fears for the safety of their young. As
a rule, stay two bus lengths from benign animals like deer
and at least twice that from more dangerous creatures
such as bison or bears. If you're really desperate for a
close-up picture, pack a zoom lens.
