Take home great memories of San Juan Island by viewing wildlife ethically - in a way that respects the space wild animals need to live free from harassment.
San Juan Island National Historical Park offers unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, from marine mammals to deer and red foxes. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home.
"The Best Relationship is a Long-Distance Relationship"
Please keep a respectful distance (at least 75 ft/23 m, or the length of two buses) at all times to give wildlife the opportunity to hunt, raise their young, rest, and live free from human harassment.
View Wildlife Ethically
1.
Do Not Feed Wildlife
It's not just a snack. Animals that get used to eating human food are often attracted to roads, where deadly accidents can happen. Human food can also weaken wild animals’ immune and digestive systems, leading to sickness. Unfortunately, some animals have become conditioned to seek human food-it is your responsibility to move away if an animal approaches you.
2.
Stay on Trails and Leash your Dog
The park is home to the world’s only remaining population of endangered island marbled butterflies. Off-trail boots and paws may accidentally crush fragile butterfly larvae and chrysalises. Help protect these hidden pollinators by keeping yourself and your pets on the path.
3.
Give them Room - Use Your Zoom!
By using binoculars or a telephoto lens, you’ll see more of an animal’s natural behavior and activity. Foxes and other wildlife, including birds, need space free from harassment to hunt, raise their young, and rest. If an animal responds to your presence, you are too close.
Thank you for being a steward of San Juan Island!
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service