TIP 8: THINK ANIMAL
Photo Credit: (c) T J Allen Art
Think Animal
The best way to appreciate nature is to think of life on their terms.
You don’t have to be an animal behaviourist to know what is going to scare them off. Your body language and aura has a great impact on whether you are able to observe something for a few seconds or several minutes. As big mammals with forward-facing eyes, we humans, are seen as top predators to both fight and flight species, so be mindful of how you come across.
Statue Impersonator
The trick is to be still, stay as quiet as possible and adopt a small, closed posture; avoid a strong, big, open stance as that can appear threatening or hostile. It can be beneficial to either squat down or have a slight angle to your body so you aren’t directly facing the other animal. If it remains relaxed you can begin to edge in a little closer . . . but think cat-like . . . the name of the game is ‘stealth’. Take achingly slow, sure-footed, deliberate movements to close the gap.
You’ll learn this game quickly. One sharp or over-eager stride will signal the end of the game.
1 point to nature, 0 point for human.