In a highly used urban wildlife site there is a conflict between resources
for the wildlife and human usage desires. Actually this can be true even
in the most remote of National Parks. Obviously there are huge variables of
how much space/sight/noise intrusion any particular species will endure and
our ability to measure this is limited, since those creatures with the least
tolerance do not stick around for us to measure. There is also a huge
variation in how people can approach wildlife, and there are behaviors which
are much more intrusive than others. Rules about approaching wildlife and
encroachment on habitat are typically based upon the most impactful
circumstances, making the very valid assumption that many people are at best
not informed, at worst, deliberately self centered. In working with
naturalists, wildlife biologists and dedicated wildlife photographers it is
clear to me there is a different set of standards, based on knowledge and
behavior which are practiced by only a small minority, which carefully and
knowledgably consider the impacts of encroachment and balance that against
human desires. Obviously the posted rules are important protections and
reminders but my experience is that mindful and trained behaviors can
mitigate some encroachment impacts. It is often an ethical judgment call.

Don't even get me started about people and there *&^%$! dogs.......


Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer
The Environmental Science School
http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm
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