Once Ashore...Wildlife Viewing On the Beach

	Intertidal areas are unique environments. Animals that live in these areas are adapted to specialized habitats. Some intertidal areas are also very fragile; they can be easily damaged and take a long time to recover. After looking at animals under rocks or seaweeds, cover up the animals sot he sun and air will not dry them out. Replace rocks in their original positions. Avoid walking on plants and animals whenever possible. Leave animals where you find them. Each animal is specialized to live in a certain habitat and may not survive if put in a different area. Be aware of bear safety Read the brochure, The Bear Facts, for specific guidelines. Leave pets on board or keep them under control. Dogs and cats can destroy bird nests, dig up, chase, or harass wildlife. They can also bring bears back to you.
	Practice Low-Impact Camping The landscape of Southeast Alaska is unique and diverse - a mosiac of environments that range in elevation from the intertidal to the high alpine. Care should be taken in establishing camps and hiking on or off trails in these environments. The following tips will help you practice "low-impact" camping and hiking. These practices protect wildlife habitat and help maintain the quality of the experience for others. Camp so that other travellers will have a difficult time seeing you. Avoid crowding large groups into small camping areas. Prevent campfire scarring. Carry out all trash. Use existing trails when possible. Be aware of bear safety. Read the brochure The Bear Facts for specific guidelines.
	Remember! Your Garbage Can Kill Don't dump illegal wastes at sea. Birds, fish, and marine mammals are often caught and die in discarded plastic or other garbage in the ocean. Dumping plastics at sea is illegal and dumping paper, rags, glass, metal, crockery, food, and dunnage is illegal in lakes, rivers, and marine waters less than three miles from shore. Waste must be ground up to less than one inch between three and twelve miles from shore. Remove all litter from land. Dispose of waste oil properly. Oils spills, even small ones, can harm and kill seabirds and marine mammals. Report spills to the Coast Guard.

Updated March 16, 2001