If you have ever been out enjoying New York’s great outdoors, chances are you have encountered wildlife. From chipmunks in the picnic grounds to bald eagles flying overhead, New York’s state park system provides over 350,000 acres of habitat that is home to hundreds of species of wildlife. These animals are important natural components of New York’s ecosystems.

If you are out hiking, biking, paddling, camping, hunting, or any other outdoor activity, there are some steps you can take to keep both you and wildlife safe.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your ears and eyes sharp while outdoors, and watch where you put your hands and feet.
• Don’t feed wildlife. This disrupts their natural feeding habits and can lead to human-wildlife conflicts if the animals learn to take food from people. Always store your food properly. Never leave food unattended.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Always keep pets on a leash to protect them from any encounters.
• Respect wildlife and give them space. When outdoors, remember you are in their habitat. If you are lucky enough to see an animal, remain at a safe distance.

Read on to learn more about a few specific animals and how you can stay safe if you encounter them.

Continue reading What To Do During Wildlife Encounters →