Wildlife watching and photography

Overview

Help keep wildlife wild by following the essential rules and best practices outlined on this page.

Responsible wildlife watching or viewing practices include:

ensuring wildlife does not become habituated to human presence
minimizing disturbance to wildlife and the land
respecting wildlife and other visitors, including fellow photographers

There are nearly 600 species of fish and wildlife, and almost 20,000 species of insects in Alberta. Wildlife watching and photography in Alberta offers a unique way to experience animals in their natural habitats. While visiting wildlife habitat, remember that your safety, and the well-being of the animals, depends on responsible behavior.

Planning your trip

Make the most of your wildlife experience in Alberta by preparing thoughtfully and safely.

Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, offering the best chances for sightings and great lighting for photography.
Carry a detailed map and stick to designated roads and trails suited to your mode of travel, whether on foot, bike, horseback, or vehicle.
Dogs, even on a leash, can scare off wildlife or attract predators. For the best photo opportunities, and your safety, explore without them.
Sudden or loud human-made sounds can startle wildlife. Move quietly and respectfully.
Look for fresh tracks, scat, or disturbed soil and bark. These are signs that wildlife may be nearby.
Take photos from vehicles or designated viewing areas where wildlife activity is common.

Safety

Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, wildlife photography comes with risks. Alberta’s wildlife may appear calm or curious, but all wild animals can be unpredictable. Always use caution, no matter how tame they seem or where you encounter them.

Leave music, speakers and earbuds at home so you can hear wildlife calls and stay alert to your surroundings.
Never approach wildlife or allow them to approach you. Always maintain a respectful distance.
Never turn your back on wild animals. This can provoke unpredictable behavior.
Watch for defensive behaviors such as huffing, growling, pawing the ground or ears pinned back. These are signs you’re too close. Move away immediately.
Be extra cautious in spring and fall, when animals may be more aggressive due to mating or protecting their young.
If an animal moves away, you’re too close. Back off and give it space.
If you accidentally encounter wildlife, calmly return the way you came until you reach a safe viewing distance.
Avoid geotagging any photos you share on social media. Geotagging photos could lead to overcrowding sensitive habitats and disturbing wildlife, especially during breeding and nesting seasons.

Safe distance guidelines

Whether you are on foot or in a vehicle:

Stay at least 30 metres (100 feet) away, about 3 bus lengths from most wildlife.
Stay at least 100 metres (325 feet) away, about 9 bus lengths from bears and large carnivores.

If you aren’t sure if you’re far enough away, try extending your thumb and placing it in front of you aligned overtop the animal. If the animal is completely covered by your thumb (including both sides of the animal), you are at a safe distance. If your thumb does not cover the animal, slowly begin to retreat.

Wildlife along roads

If you spot wildlife near the roadside, the safest option is to cautiously continue driving. Stopping can create hazards for both people and animals.

If you do stop:

Only stop where it is safe. Use designated pull-offs or parking areas and ensure your vehicle is fully off the road.
Always remain inside your vehicle. Avoid opening windows, sunroofs or doors, especially near large animals.
Never stop on or near blind spots such as hill crests, sharp curves, corners or intersections.
Avoid stopping during high traffic periods, as this increases the risk of accidents and traffic congestion.
Use observation areas when available to safely photograph wildlife from your vehicle.
Be alert to other drivers. Traffic slowdowns near wildlife can lead to collisions.
Always follow traffic laws and drive with care around wildlife hotspots.

Know the rules

Alberta's wildlife is protected under Alberta's Wildlife Act. The following rules apply when watching and photographing wildlife of all species.

Do not surround, crowd or follow animals. Do not follow animals to their dens or nests.
Tread lightly in nesting season. Do not approach a nest or flush a bird from its nest.
Use extreme caution around baby animals including bear, coyote, fox, elk and moose. Mother animals can get very protective if they feel their babies are threatened.
Do not stalk, chase or pursue wildlife.
Never feed wildlife.
Do not bait. This includes using food or scents.
Do not play or simulate animal calls to attract wildlife. This includes using recorded wildlife calls or sounds, electronically operated calling device recordings, call devices or identification apps.
Do not litter. Pack out what you pack in, including all food waste (such as apple cores or sunflower seed shells) and garbage.
The recreational use of drones is generally allowed on public land, but not in provincial or national parks. Drones may disturb wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviors and may require a wildlife research and collection permit for photographing wildlife. This includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Learn more:
- Non-motorized recreation on public land
- Wildlife research and collection
Filming or photography in a provincial park may require a permit.

What to bring

Consider bringing the following items to make the most of your wildlife viewing or photography experience:

Wildlife deterrent like bear spray (keep within reach)
Camera
Binoculars, spotting scopes or telephoto lens
Cell phone or satellite communication device
Field guides to help identify what you see
GPS or compass and map
First aid kit
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
Sturdy footwear
Water and snacks

Notifications