#wildlifeviewing

[noaasanctuaries]

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You never know what you may encounter in our nation’s underwater parks. Remember to never chase or feed wildlife. You are in their home, and we are just spectators.

Even if you are keeping a safe distance between yourself and an animal, wildlife may attempt to approach you for a number of reasons. They may see you as a food source, or they may be defending their territory or their young. Remember, wild animals are just that - wild. For your safety and the safety of the animal, remain facing the animal and back away slowly to re-establish a safe viewing distance.

Learn more about wildlife viewing guidelines: 

It's an amazing experience to spot wild animals right at our shore-steps. To make the most of your wildlife viewing experience, learn about

Visit Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary:

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is one of the nation’s most treasured ocean areas, and home to a rich abundance of marine mammals, s

[phantastic-tides]

. Hungry hungry—closest land relative is a—hippo! That is be a game I would play now all the time. Instead of Hungry Hippos it would be Hungry Humpbacks. . . . . . #wow #whales #whale #wildlife #ocean #california #wildlifeviewing #nature #canon #california #humpback #mosslanding #hippo #hungry (at Blue Ocean Whale Watch) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWoqbQePqGZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[noaasanctuaries]

Are you ready to Get Into Your Sanctuary? There are a few things you should know before you go.

Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. For their safety as well as yours, please follow a few guidelines to ensure a positive and memorable experience:

🦦 Keep your hands to yourself and keep wildlife safe and healthy.

🐢 Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned and leave it to the experts.

🐕 Keep pets home or on a leash.

🥤 Lend a hand with trash removal and keep their home clean.

🍟 Keep your snacks to yourself and let wildlife find their own food!

🏅 Lead by example and help others become responsible wildlife watchers.

🌅 Hang back and enjoy the view.

Take the pledge to respect, protect, and enjoy your #WildSanctuaries. Visit https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/.

Our #GetIntoYourSanctuary Photo Contest opens today 📸 Submit your entries at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/photo-contest.html.

[noaasanctuaries]

It's National Wildlife Day and encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

For their safety as well as yours, check out our Wildlife Viewing Guidelines and take the pledge to protect your #WildSanctuaries! Visit: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/. (Photo: Mark Sullivan/NOAA. Image description: A Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtle resting their heads together on the beach.)

[noaasanctuaries]

“👉👈 Any squid to spare?”

These bashful eyes belong to a gray seal that calls Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary home! Snacking on crustaceans, fish, squid, and eels, some gray seals have learned that humans can be coerced into throwing them a treat. Feeding (or trying to feed) them is harmful and illegal. It changes their natural behaviors and makes them less wary of people and vessels. Be sure not to give into that puppy-dog stare!

(Photo: Anne Smrcina/NOAA. Image description: A gray seal bobs above the water line looking up.)

[noaasanctuaries]

¡Encontrarse con la vida silvestre puede ser una oportunidad única en la vida! Para su seguridad y la de los demás, siga las pautas a continuación, manteniendo suficiente espacio entre usted y cualquier animal que encuentre, teniendo en cuenta las normativas locales; use sus binoculares o lentes zoom si quiere una vista más de cerca. Visita: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/espanol/etiqueta-oceanica.html. Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! For their safety as well as yours, please follow the guidelines below, give wildlife plenty of space, be aware of local regulations and use your zoom lens or binoculars if you want that close-up view! Continue reading and take the pledge to have a memorable experience. Visit: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/. (Photo: Douglas Croft. Image description: Two breaching orcas.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Are you ready to Get Into Your Sanctuary? There are a few things you should know before you go!

Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. For their safety as well as yours, please follow a few guidelines to ensure a positive and memorable experience:

🦦 Keep your hands to yourself and keep wildlife safe and healthy. 🐢 Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned and leave it to the experts! 🐕 Keep pets home or on a leash. 🥤 Lend a hand with trash removal and keep their home clean. 🍟 Keep your snacks to yourself and let wildlife find their own food! 🏅 Lead by example and help others become responsible wildlife watchers. 🌅 Hang back and enjoy the view!

Take the pledge to respect, protect, and enjoy your #WildSanctuaries! Visit https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/pledge.html. (Photo: Bruce Sudweeks. Image description: Stand-up paddleboarder near a shark beneath the surface.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Practicing your handstands? Take some notes from this dolphin in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary! Now you just have to get the hair flip right...

Visitors to the sanctuary have amazing opportunities to see wildlife and calls on every visitor to be stewards of these waters and #RecreateResponsibly. What are some ways you practice responsible recreation?(Photo: Ed Lyman/NOAA. Image description: Dolphin diving back down into the water. NOAA Permit #14097.)