#wildlifeviewing

You never know what you may encounter in our nation’s underwater parks. Remember to never chase or feed wildlife. You are in their home, and we are just spectators.

Even if you are keeping a safe distance between yourself and an animal, wildlife may attempt to approach you for a number of reasons. They may see you as a food source, or they may be defending their territory or their young. Remember, wild animals are just that - wild. For your safety and the safety of the animal, remain facing the animal and back away slowly to re-establish a safe viewing distance.

Learn more about wildlife viewing guidelines: 

Visit Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary:

Are you ready to Get Into Your Sanctuary? There are a few things you should know before you go.

Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. For their safety as well as yours, please follow a few guidelines to ensure a positive and memorable experience:

🦦 Keep your hands to yourself and keep wildlife safe and healthy.

🐢 Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned and leave it to the experts.

🐕 Keep pets home or on a leash.

🥤 Lend a hand with trash removal and keep their home clean.

🍟 Keep your snacks to yourself and let wildlife find their own food!

🏅 Lead by example and help others become responsible wildlife watchers.

🌅 Hang back and enjoy the view.

Take the pledge to respect, protect, and enjoy your #WildSanctuaries. Visit https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/.

It's National Wildlife Day and encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

“👉👈 Any squid to spare?”

These bashful eyes belong to a gray seal that calls Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary home! Snacking on crustaceans, fish, squid, and eels, some gray seals have learned that humans can be coerced into throwing them a treat. Feeding (or trying to feed) them is harmful and illegal. It changes their natural behaviors and makes them less wary of people and vessels. Be sure not to give into that puppy-dog stare!

Are you ready to Get Into Your Sanctuary? There are a few things you should know before you go!

Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. For their safety as well as yours, please follow a few guidelines to ensure a positive and memorable experience:

🦦 Keep your hands to yourself and keep wildlife safe and healthy. 🐢 Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned and leave it to the experts! 🐕 Keep pets home or on a leash. 🥤 Lend a hand with trash removal and keep their home clean. 🍟 Keep your snacks to yourself and let wildlife find their own food! 🏅 Lead by example and help others become responsible wildlife watchers. 🌅 Hang back and enjoy the view!

Practicing your handstands? Take some notes from this dolphin in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary! Now you just have to get the hair flip right...