Fox walking and other wildlife viewing tips

Shh… Have you ever spent time outdoors and wished you could see more wildlife? Think about the way you walk, talk and smell. Many animals have senses that are way sharper than ours, so hurriedly walking on a trail, a conversation with a friend or chewing gum could scare away nearby animals. But don’t fret, a few small changes in your behavior outdoors can help improve your chances of viewing wildlife. Learn how to move through the nature unnoticed to increase your likelihood of spotting wildlife up close.

The sound of our gait is often intensified by heavy footwear and the unique way humans walk. Most humans walk heel-to-toe, so your heel strikes the ground before your toes are there to cushion the blow. Most mammals walk on the balls of their feet which is quieter than the heavy, loud steps we take.

To walk quieter outside, think of walking like a fox! These animals are synonymous with being sneaky for a reason. Fox-walking is all about moving slowly and mindfully. Follow these simple steps to begin walking slowly and quietly.

1. Begin by lifting your foot and placing only your pinky toe on the ground.
2. Slowly roll your foot so that all five of your toes are planted on the ground. You may notice some difficulty balancing, but that is okay.
3. Finally, slowly lower your heel to the earth.
4. Repeat!

The goal of fox-walking is not to cover as much ground as you can as quickly as possible. The goal is to put intention behind each step. While you are fox-walking, look up and notice the world around you. Maybe you will walk so quietly that animals will stick around to investigate the exceptionally silent human.

Want more ways to see wildlife? Try hiking or walking near bodies of water, like a pond or a creek. Animals may stop by to grab a drink, or they could be hunting in the water for their next meal. You could use binoculars to scout out animals safely from a distance and remember to never approach a wild animal. Once you get to an area you like, stop and be still for a while. Do your best not to talk or make sudden movements, which could scare away any animals you wish to see.

Another strategy to employ is walking into the breeze. Many hunters use this strategy when trying to track down deer. Animals have a keen sense of smell, so by staying downwind of the animal, your scent will not startle them. This also means you should avoid using any strong-smelling perfumes, lotions or soaps when trying to spot animals, since the strong artificial scents can be overwhelming to their noses, and it will notify them of your presence.

Maybe you use these tips and still don’t see any wildlife. But if you look close enough, you will see plenty of signs of wildlife. These clues may help you track down an animal. Like a detective, scan the ground for tracks, scat, tufts of fur or fallen feathers. Follow the clues to see where they lead you! You could a squirrels favorite nut eating perch or where a deer bedded down for the night.

Now, you have an animal scouting toolbox to help you get closer to seeing wildlife on a hike, walk or adventure through your backyard. Enjoy fox-walking through the wilderness and enjoy taking in all the sights and smells around you.