Be a respectful and responsible birder. Although most people try to observe birds and other wildlife as unobtrusively as possible, we need to always be aware that our presence may disturb and disrupt their normal activities. There are many things we can do to respect these animals to assure their survival:
To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during
observation, photography, and sound recording or filming.
Keep your distance and observe with binoculars and spotting scopes. This is especially important during nesting season. Stay away from nesting sites, feeding areas, and roost sites.
Nesting birds of all species are easily disturbed. If an adult on a nest flies off
when you approach or circles you or screams in alarm, you are too close to the
nest. Unattended nestlings readily succumb to predation or exposure to heat, cold, and wet weather.
Disturbing or harassing federally threatened or endangered species such as the bald eagle is illegal.
Good birding areas often attract other wildlife. Maintain a safe distance from large mammals: 300 feet from bears and 75 feet from other large animals. Do not get between a female and her young.
Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist and respect private property.
All sites listed in the West Yellowstone Birding Trail are public land. However, several are adjacent to private land, which should be respected. Stay on established roads and trails.
Safety in Bear Country
In addition to a wide variety of birds that frequent wild country, you may also expect to encounter numerous other forms of wildlife, such as moose, elk, deer, wolves, and both grizzly and black bear. That is part of what makes the area so special. Should you be fortunate enough to see a bear, there are a few things you can do to make the encounter a safe and pleasant one.
If you are not sure whether it is a grizzly or black bear, remember that the grizzly is usually the more aggressive so treat it as if it were a grizzly.
Has the bear noticed you? Is it occupied with eating or observing something else? If so, back up and leave quietly.
Has the bear noticed you? Has it stood up on its hind legs? The bear will try to determine what you are. Stay alert, and talk in a firm voice so it can hear you.
Let the bear react. Avoid any threatening actions such as quick movement or excited shouts.
If the bear starts to bounce on its front feet, it is trying to scare you and may "bluff charge".
If the bear moves toward you with its head down and gaining speed, you know it is charging. Often a charging bear will run past a person, especially if there is a route to escape. If the bear knocks you down, stay down until you are sure it has left the area.
Remember, do NOT run. This will elicit a "chase" response because the bear will think you are prey running away.
Travel in groups. Bears are not known to attack a group of 4 or more.
Carry bear pepper spray as a safety precaution and know how to use it.
