Mission
The mission of Respect Wildlife is to reduce disruptive human encounters with coastal marine wildlife.
Going to the Coast? Bring Some Respect!
For us, seeing wildlife in nature is thrilling! But to wildlife, seeing us may not be such a thrill. Understand that you’re visiting homes— where animals eat, sleep, play and breed. Fun and respect go together. Here’s how to have the best time at the coast:
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Prevent the Zombie Apocalypse
If everyone touched or took critters from the tidepool, there would be none left! Picking up sea stars, urchins and other animals damages their sensitive feet, leaving them unable to feed.
Respect Means…
Leave creatures as you find them! Look, don’t touch, and step carefully.
Stay Back, You’re Scary
Wildlife Need Their Space
We know you’re not a monster. But to an otter mom and her pup, you may seem like one. Your best chance to see wild animals is when they feel relaxed and safe.
Respect Means…
If an animal starts to stare, fidget or flee, calmly back away and give them more space.
Pick Up and Pack Out Trash
Your Litter May Be Their Last Meal
What looks like garbage to us can seem like a feast to animals. When they eat garbage, it may cause them to choke or starve.
Litter Hurts
Animals can become entangled in debris, causing some to drown or cut into their skin and cause an infection.
Respect Means…
Always carry your trash to the nearest garbage can. You can also pick up litter you find. If trash cans are overflowing, take your trash home.
Hang Back to Enjoy the View
Safety Over Selfies
That great Instagram post is not worth an injury or death. Seals and other large animals can and do injure humans, and they can feel threatened when you get close.
Respect Means…
Keep your distance. Use your zoom lens or binoculars if you want that close-up view.
Keep Your Snacks to Yourself
People Food is Poison
Feeding wildlife may sicken or weaken them. When you feed wildlife, they associate people with food, which causes them to become aggressive, putting you and others in danger. They may lose their ability to scavenge or hunt for food.
Respect Means…
Share food with your friends, not wildlife. Let them find and eat food that is natural for them.
Keep Pets on a Leash and Kids Close
Don’t Be a Space Invader
Kids and pets might have fun chasing birds, but to the birds, it’s a serious invasion. Birds use precious energy escaping and may abandon their nests.
Respect Means…
Leashing your dog protects your pet and wildlife too. Teach kids to stay back, and to look, not touch.
