In today’s post, we’ve compiled emails from some of the wildlife that call provincial parks home.
Keep wildlife wild, respect wildlife, please do not disturb wildlife.
These are common phrases… but what do they really mean?
To help break it down, we have compiled a few recent emails from some of our furry and feathered friends.
Let’s hear what they have to say on how to be a considerate and respectful visitor:
Subject: I like my space
| I think you’re really awesome but I need my space.
Whether I’m snacking or looking for love, I need a wide berth. I prefer if you stay 30 metres, or approximately the length of three yellow school buses, away for my comfort. Please feel free to take my photo from afar, I’m used to the paparazzi! Sincerely, Moose
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Subject: Please keep it down!
| Hello down there,
We appreciate a good song and chatter with our friends, too! While it may seem like you’re the only ones in the park, we’re also hanging out.
Whether we’re communicating with fellow bats, on the hunt for food, or trying to navigate through the forest, when there’s too much noise, it can be a real challenge to cross things off our to-do lists.
Just like humans, whether we’re trying to sleep, concentrate, learn, or work, noise can be incredibly distracting. Keep in mind, wildlife have different schedules including dayshifts and nightshifts. Please always keep noise to a minimum. Thanks for your consideration, The bats
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Subject: Don’t burn the buffet
| Hello camper!
We understand you want to stay cozy around the campfire, however these forests are not firewood.
I’ve been busy storing my food all year long on branches, behind bark, and in trees to come back to later. I’d love for you to not burn my buffet. Please use the firewood that the park provides.
Next time you reach for wood from around your campsite, remember it’s like burning down the homes and grocery stores of many other creatures that call the park home. Kind regards, Canada Jay
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Subject: I’m on a diet, please don’t tempt me
| Hello there,
Please don’t tempt me with your coolers full of delicious camping food! I’m on a special diet.
I need to stick to my natural diet of plants, berries, insects, fish, and carrion to stay healthy. Besides, your coolers look so cool, I wouldn’t want to put a dent in them.
Do me a favour and respect my strict diet. Be sure to store your food, beverages, and toiletries in your locked car, bear-proof food locker, or in a bear hang. Warm regards, Black Bear
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Subject: Keep your pup on a leash, please
| Hello,
We understand your pup loves the beach, we do too!
We are writing to ask if you can you please follow signage for where dogs are permitted and keep your pup on a leash unless you’re in a designated dog off-leash area.
On behalf of the plants, we would also like to mention that your pup’s fun can cause serious damage to them too. Sincerely, The shorebirds
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Keep wildlife wild
When visiting parks and protected areas, it’s important to be responsible park visitor and remember to respect wildlife.
Please remember:
- give wildlife lots of space
- always keep noise to a minimum
- use firewood that the park provides
- store food, beverages, and toiletries securely
- keep your dog on a leash and know where your dog is permitted
These are just a few ways to be a considerate visitor.
Let’s work together to ensure the wildlife that inhabit provincial parks stay safe and remain protected.