Quick Concept for Respect Wildlife
Grabbing Your Group's Attention (30 minutes)
Travel to a city park containing wildlife or a wildlife viewing area, or show
pictures or slides of wildlife. Ask the group why loud noises and quick
movements are stressful to wildlife. Ask if there are particularly sensitive
times of the year for wildlife. Once wildlife get food or garbage one time they
will return for more. Eventually, wildlife become a nuisance and sometimes
endanger people. Live-trapping wildlife and relocating these creatures to remote
areas has not been proven effective—only about 15 percent of relocated bears
survive after being relocated.
The Activity
Demonstrate how to properly hang a bear bag and then let participants
practice hanging one.
The Discussion
Have each participant share observations on what can be done to minimize
disturbing wildlife and or wildlife habitat. Discuss the negative effects if
these precautions with wildlife are not observed. Discuss ways to view wildlife
without harming creatures. Encourage the group to observe wildlife from a
distance (using binoculars) so the wildlife are not scared or forced to flee.
Remind them how to prevent wildlife from obtaining any human food and the
importance of such a guideline.