Your Next Steps in Wildlife Observation

The world of North American wildlife is rich, complex, and endlessly fascinating. Learning to identify the mammals around you is like learning a new language—one that tells the story of the health, history, and hidden life of your local environment. This guide is just the beginning.

Your journey starts with simple observation. This week, pick a spot with a view of your backyard or a local park. Sit quietly for 15 minutes in the early morning or around sunset. Note any movement you see. Do you see an Eastern Gray Squirrel burying an acorn? Or the flash of a cottontail rabbit diving into a thicket? Start a nature journal to record your sightings. Note the date, time, weather, and the animal’s behavior. Sketch its shape or its tracks if you can find them.

Consider contributing your observations to a larger cause. Citizen science platforms like iNaturalist allow you to share photos of your sightings, where a community of experts can help with identification. This data helps scientists track the health and distribution of wildlife populations, including many of the species listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

By watching with patience, curiosity, and respect, you do more than just identify an animal. You become a steward of the natural world, a keeper of its stories, and a witness to its quiet, everyday magic.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding wildlife. Never approach, handle, or feed wild animals. In an emergency situation involving wildlife that poses a threat to human safety, contact your local animal control or state wildlife agency immediately.