3. Nature Apps

Sharing the details of your nature sighting can be exciting and memorable. Documenting the specific what, when, and where details can help you remember your wild encounters, help fellow naturalists plan their next adventure, and help our biologists track the status of wildlife across the state.

• Merlin Bird ID
  
• Sibley eGuide to Birds
  
• Pennsylvania eBird
  
• iNaturalist
  
• Seek
  

• RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT - All facets of our environment— soils, plants, animals, air, water—are interrelated in a complex system. Every living thing’s quality of life is directly dependent upon this system, so we must all do our part to protect our environment and keep it clean. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for more information on how to be a good environmental steward.  
• INSTALL NEST BOXES – Placing a nest box on your property can provide safe nesting areas for many species of birds and small mammals to raise their young. Properly managed nest boxes can be critically important for species like the American kestrel or purple martins. For more information visit: Wildlife Home Plans. 
• LEAVE NO TRACE – The poisoning of our environment is one of the greatest threats facing mankind. Plastic bottle caps, fishing line, and a variety of other discarded items can be deadly to wading birds and other wildlife. Practice leave no trace principles and clean up after yourselves and others while spending time outdoors. It will have a tremendously positive effect on wildlife and Pennsylvania's outdoors will look better than ever. Visit the Leave No Trace website to learn more.  
• LEAVE YOUNG WILDLIFE ALONE – With spring and early summer comes an abundance of newborn wildlife; from rabbit and fox kits, to nestling songbirds, to deer fawns and elk calves. If you spot newborn or young wildlife, please do not disturb them. While some young animals might appear to be abandoned, many wildlife parents will leave their young alone and hidden to avoid attracting predators, only coming back to nurse them a few times a day. If you come across newborn or young wildlife, for your safety as well as theirs, please do not disturb.  
• FEED BIRDS IN WINTER – Bird feeders can help many species during the winter by providing food when natural sources might be buried beneath snow or limited in supply. Keeping your feeders up into the spring can help support birds on their long migrations north. Putting bird seed out not only helps birds survive through the winter, but also provides you with a unique viewing opportunity. Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches and many other species may be seen at your feeders, brightening any gloomy winter day. Visit this page to learn more about birds through the seasons.  
• CREATE WILDLIFE HABITAT – Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers provides both food and cover for many wildlife species. Native plants benefit a variety of birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and small mammals, which play an important role in sustaining healthy ecosystems. Non-native or invasive plants can have harmful ecological impacts because they outcompete native plant species and do not provide nearly as many benefits to wildlife. To be informed on which invasive plants to watch out for, visit Invasive Species of Concern for Pennsylvania. For a list of beneficial native plants and to learn how planting them in your own backyard can benefit wildlife, check out https://bit.ly/CommonBeneficialPlants  
• LEARN & OBEY GAME LAWS – Familiarity with the state Game Laws will provide anyone with a general knowledge of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's responsibilities and operations. Following the regulations set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission helps everyone, hunters and non-hunters alike, work together to protect wildlife. Check out the Digest for more information. 
• KEEP YOUR DISTANCE – The best way to stay safe when watching wildlife is to give animals room to move. The Pennsylvania Game Commissions recommends all wildlife viewers to follow the rule of thumb: if you can cover the entire wild animal with your thumb, you’re at a safe distance. This distance is usually 25 yards from most wildlife. For larger animals, like elk, 100 yards is the minimum. For more information on how to stay safe while viewing elk, visit our ELK SMART page.  
• SECURE FOOD, GARBAGE, AND RECYCLING – Sometimes, wildlife like black bears help themselves to food that is easily accessible, including bird feeders, trash cans, and pet food left out within a bear’s reach. Once a bear finds easy access to food, they are likely to frequently come back for more. To limit human-bear interactions, be sure to bring pet food containers and bird feeders inside at night; keep trash cans and recycle bins inside, until the morning of collection day; and regularly clean and remove grease from outside grills. For more information please visit: BearWise. 
• ​SUPPORT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION – The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing 480 species of wild birds and mammals, and over 1.5 million acres of wildlife habitat. While the agency uses money from natural resource management on State Game Lands, hunting and trapping license fees, and federal taxes on guns, ammunition, archery equipment, there are also several ways you can help us achieve our management goals and become a conservation hero. Using the guest checkout option, you can make a donation to wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania through Hunt Fish PA. You can also purchase a Special Fund Registration Plate, where proceeds from this plate support the management of the Commonwealth's unique flora and fauna. You can also purchase a hunting license. Even if you don’t hunt or trap, this money goes directly back to wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania.  

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