Wildlife Viewing

More than 66 million people enjoyed watching America’s wildlife last year. Our public land recreation areas offer an outstanding setting for viewing and photographing creatures in their natural habitats.

Opportunities range from observing habits of the endangered Nene or Hawaiian Goose at Volcano National Park to admiring the power and grace of grizzly bears at state parks in Alaska. Entry fees, licensing and seasonal retrictions vary from site to site.

For more detailed information on a particular location, please contact the site directly.

What do we mean by Wildlife Viewing ?

RecML, the recreation standard that is being developed, describes
wildlife viewing as:

birdwatching or other nature study, view/photograph natural scenery,
sightseeing

Practice Good Stewardship of our Public Lands:

You can help to take good care of our public lands so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:

Don't Litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.

Don't birdwatch or view / photograph wildlife in areas where you are not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to recreationists to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

Safety While Wildlife Viewing:

Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regard to seasonal restrictions

Do not feed the local wildlife

Take precautions against birdwatching or viewing wildlife in an area that may be dangerous in the case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal viewing area

Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other campers and recreationists

Do not birdwatch or view / photograph wildlife in unauthorized areas

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio