Watch the Wildlife

What do you see? Record your observations in your field notebook!

Take out your imaginary binoculars because we're going to be observing the wildlife in the forest! Keep a notebook handy, so you can draw and write any notes about the animals you see. These notes are called field notes, which is what scientists take when making observations outside.


Make Safe Observations
As you adventure into the forest, you have to be cautious while observing the wildlife. These are wild and unpredictable creatures, so you have to keep wildlife wild. Never closely approach, feed, or interact with a wild animal, and always keep your distance. To check if you're at a safe distance, use this rule of thumb. Extend your arm out, give a thumbs up, close one eye, and look to see if your thumb completely covers the wildlife you're observing. If your thumb doesn't fully cover the wildlife, then you're too close!

 

The forest is home to many creatures including the massive brontotheres and tiny mesohippus.

NPS

 

You don't have to get up-close and personal to these animals. From a safe distance, you can still make important observations. Some basic wildlife observations that you should make note of include: the location, appearance, abundance, and behavior. In other words, what wildlife do you see -- where are they, what do they look like, how many are there, and what are they doing?

What do you want to see?

1. Go bird watching
2. Observe the mammals