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What is wildlife? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
To observe an animal in nature is an awesome experience! Some people even plan vacations to places where they can see wildlife in their natural habitats. For example, visitors to Yosemite National Park in California may get a glimpse of deer, owl, marmots, trout and hawks, among other fascinating creatures!
Time to go on a wildlife watch! First, pick an outdoor space to be your observation center. Perhaps it’s a park, or maybe it’s your own backyard! Bring a notebook and some crayons with you.
Have you ever observed a squirrel running from branch to branch? Or a blue jay sipping from a bird bath? These creatures are examples of wildlife, and you don’t have to go on safari to find them. In fact, there is plenty of wildlife in your own neighborhood and backyard!
When you think of a pet, you probably imagine an animal that is trained, used to people, and maybe even used to spending large amounts of time indoors. When we talk about wildlife, we are describing living things that are usually not trained and do not live indoors. Some use the term “wildlife” to refer mostly to mammals, fish and birds. However, many people think of wildlife as all living things in the wild that are not human, including plants and insects!
Every living thing has an important place in nature, so it is important to protect our wildlife and continue to make room for the many creatures and plants that share our planet.
To observe an animal in nature is an awesome experience! Some people even plan vacations to places where they can see wildlife in their natural habitats. For example, visitors to Yosemite National Park in California may get a glimpse of deer, owl, marmots, trout and hawks, among other fascinating creatures!
Time to go on a wildlife watch! First, pick an outdoor space to be your observation center. Perhaps it’s a park, or maybe it’s your own backyard! Bring a notebook and some crayons with you.
Begin
by spending some quiet time watching and listening. What colors
surround you? Do you hear the sound of plants rustling in the breeze,
birds flying overhead, or squirrels digging for nuts? Are there flowers
nearby? Do you notice any insects in the area? Is there a water source
that attracts animals to the outdoor space?
Make
a list of the critters and plants you notice. You may write their
names, draw them, or do both! If you were a wildlife creature, would
you want to spend your days in this park or yard? Happy observing!
