![Two children looking at a herd of elk from the bed of a carriage in a snowy landscape with mountains in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-02/winter-sleigh-ride-on-national-elk-refuge-natalie-fath-usfws.jpg?itok=V3h6XPlX)
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for all naturalists that enjoy seeing wildlife. Gray and harbor seals often haul-out along the beaches at Great Point. Visitors can experience the unique opportunity to view a variety of migratory birds such as the endangered roseate tern, common terns, American oystercatchers, and piping plovers.
Some Tips: Other wildlife watchers will appreciate your consideration.
- Take your time, be alert and quiet
- Observe from the sidelines. Do not disturb a wild animal, they may feel threaten.
- Listen carefully for calls, splashes, and other wildlife noises. Many animals camouflage very well, and it takes a while to see them.
Look for signs of animals. Search for tracks, missing bark on trees, burrows, feathers, scat, and other signs animals have been in the area.
Do not offer snacks; human food could disrupt wild digestive systems.
Leave “abandoned” young animals alone. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave.