Most animals will see, hear or smell you long before you are aware of their presence.

They observe you and, depending on how far away you are and how you act, they decide to stay, defend themselves or flee.

Keep talking to a minimum and use hand signals whenever you can. Step lightly, not to break twigs underfoot and turn off your cell phone.

Whether you’re searching for wildlife or observing it, you’ll be more successful if you rely on more than just your eyes. Listen for cracking twigs or branches, animal calls, or the flutter of birds’ wings to help you locate animals.