The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, MA, recently posted a blog urging ethical wildlife-observation practices among visitors, particularly among those who seek to view, photograph, and film the various owls—including snowy, barred, great horned, Eastern screech, and short-eared—that occupy the Refuge in winter. In recent years, increased human attention on the owls and encroachment into their habitat has disrupted their normal behavior, potentially making it hard for the owls to hunt during a time when food is scarce. In 2023, the Refuge had to reduce public visiting hours due to unsafe behavior and wildlife harassment associated with a pair of barred owls.

The blog reads in part: “Our goal is to foster opportunities for inspiring wildlife encounters, while ensuring the many sensitive species that rely on the refuge for survival continue to have a safe place to thrive. We appreciate the many people who have reached out recently for tips on engaging in ethical wildlife observation, as well as how to talk with their friends, family, and other visitors when they witness unsafe behaviors.”

The Refuge’s blog also offers a list of best practices for wildlife watching:

• Give wildlife space; 100 yards at least. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead of approaching closer. If an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
• Ensure wildlife always have a safe exit route by not surrounding them, and never follow animals when they leave for another area. This is a good indicator the animal is stressed and fearful.
• Limit your viewing time to no more than 10 minutes. If you are with a group, consider limiting your viewing time to no more than 5 minutes. This helps reduce stress to wildlife and allows other visitors a chance to share this unique experience.
• Avoid sharing real-time wildlife locations through social media, group chats, or other digital channels. This behavior can result in overcrowding that stresses wildlife and creates unsafe road and trail conditions.
• Never attempt to influence a wild animal’s behavior by flushing, harassing, or playing recorded calls. These actions are illegal and can result in exhaustion and death, especially for birds with limited energy stores.
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife is illegal and can make them sick, reduces their ability to hunt independently by creating a reliance on humans, and can result in the animal being euthanized if it becomes aggressive toward humans.
• Share these tips and why it’s important to give wildlife space if you witness unsafe behavior.
• Report wildlife crime by contacting the refuge office at (978) 465-5753, submitting a law enforcement tip online (https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips), or calling (844) 397-8477.