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Safe Selfies – Keep Wildlife Wild

Jul 30, 2018 | 12:33 PM

#safeselfies #KeepWildlifeWild

#safeselfies and #KeepWildlifeWild are two social media hashtags started in national parks in the United States and are gaining popularity in Canada.

The interpretive staff at Prince Albert National Park support the movement and are promoting the message of wildlife safety through various summer interpretive programs and brochures available at the Park Entry Kiosks, Visitor’s Centre and Nature Centre.

“We love animals and we want to protect them. I think that’s something that all visitors have in common. We want to appreciate the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat.” Said Lauren Markewicz, Interpretation Officer at Prince Albert National Park.

Various wildlife and birds can be viewed around the townsite and on the trails in wilderness areas. Animals frequently spotted include, elk, deer, red fox, bears, and coyotes. The best time to view many mammals is at dawn or dusk. Wildlife conservation staff would like to stress safe wildlife viewing practises to protect humans and the animals from unwanted interactions. Keep a safe distance from wildlife at all times.

If you notice an animal lifting their heads to look at you, you are too close and should back away. Nature photographers might want to invest in zoom lens for their camera. The technique of digi-scoping with binoculars and camera or cell phone can also capture the appearance of being close to an animal while remaining a safe distance away. Park visitors can promote safe wildlife viewing activities in social media posts with the hashtags; #safeselfies and #KeepWildlifeWild. The hashtags #PANP, #waskesiu and #parkscanada can be used to share the location of your experience with others.

For more tips on wildlife human safety visit:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/faune-wildlife