| National parks and wildlife within these parks may | | | | Leave these animals to fend for themselves. Take a |
| sometimes be an exhilarating experience but, from a | | | | picture from afar. It may save you a few broken |
| timid deer to an aggressive bear, wildlife should be | | | | bones and bruises when you leave these Canadian |
| dealt with caution and care. | | | | national parks. |
| These animals are called "wild" life for a reason. While | | | | Keep children and pets close by. National parks and |
| spotting a wild animal within the parks may not happen | | | | wildlife can sometimes seem like play things to kids. |
| every time you visit, the sightings do happen, and it's a | | | | There are many places for young ones and pets to |
| good idea to know the safety tips should you happen | | | | disappear in dense cover. |
| upon any wildlife. | | | | Also, even if you have an eye on them, keep them |
| In any Canadian national park or national parks and | | | | within grabbing distance. To some wildlife, small children |
| wildlife reserves, a creature as benign as a deer may | | | | and pets are the size of their prey. Even something as |
| cross your path. This passiveness can sometimes be | | | | harmless as a chipmunk may suddenly become violent |
| mistaken for friendliness. | | | | and bite. |
| All it takes is one sudden movement and you will be | | | | Canadian national parks and forests are wild habitats |
| defending yourself from a frightened animal protecting | | | | and should never be considered substitute playgrounds |
| itself on instinct. An angry or frightened deer can be | | | | for children. |
| just as dangerous as a charging bear. A human can't | | | | Treat all wildlife with respect. Whether this means |
| out run an animal and has fewer defenses when it | | | | giving them their space or putting away all garbage so |
| comes to dealing with claws, teeth and antlers. | | | | you leave no damage to their habitats, wild animals |
| These few tips about national parks and wildlife may | | | | deserve this courtesy. |
| help you have a safer trip. | | | | You wouldn't like a stranger to come into your place, |
| Do not feed the animals. You may see signs with | | | | flop on your couch, and take pictures while throwing |
| these words in any national parks and forests. This is | | | | empty wrappers on the floor, would you? Neither do |
| not because the park rangers want the animals to die | | | | the animals in our national parks and forests. |
| of famine. This tip is as much as protection for the | | | | Interfering with their instinctual needs can threaten their |
| animals as it is for people. | | | | natural development. Canadian national parks are |
| Wild animals have found food on their own before | | | | these animals' homes. We are simply their guests. |
| humanity created a sanctuary for them, they will find | | | | For more safety tips, you can visit any national parks |
| food long after. If you approach a deer or elk with | | | | and wildlife websites or contact your local national |
| some food, if you manage to get close enough for it | | | | parks. Before you head out into the wilderness, inform |
| to eat out of your hand, this may seem like a pristine | | | | yourself on the type of animals you may have |
| photo opportunity. | | | | sightings of and learn about their typical defensive |
| However, this innocent situation could turn ugly. One | | | | behavior. |
| flash from the camera could cause the animal to lash | | | | Learn the animals' habits, what they eat, when they |
| out with its hooves or horns. Also, as these animals | | | | sleep or where they hunt. The more you know, the |
| become more and more habituated to human | | | | better your chances are of having a harmless |
| interaction, they may start begging for handouts and | | | | encounter. Better safe than sorry! |
| may even get aggressive if they don't receive any. | | | | |