Parks, woods, ponds and beaches are habitats for many living things. When we visit, we are guests in their home.
Key idea
Watch wild animals without touching or chasing them, leave nests alone, put rocks back the way you found them, and keep trash out of nature.
Why it works
A rock or a log can be a home for beetles, worms and salamanders, so we put it back. Chasing scares animals and wastes the energy they need. Trash can tangle or poison animals and plants.
Worked example: Let's think it through
You find a young bird hopping on the ground. What should you do?
- Many young birds hop on the ground while they learn to fly.
- Their parents are usually close by, watching and bringing food.
- Taking it away would take it from its parents.
Answer: Leave it where it is, watch from far away, and tell a grown-up.
Common mistake
Children often think a young bird alone on the ground needs to be picked up and taken home, or that a rock is just a rock. The rock is someone's roof, and the bird's parents are often nearby. Tell a grown-up instead.
For the grown-up. Wildlife agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say most young birds on the ground are fledglings being cared for by their parents, and the best thing to do is leave them alone. The Nature Study pages have more ways to explore outdoors.