As the National Park Service approaches its 110th anniversary Aug. 25, Humane World for Animals is reminding visitors that protecting wildlife requires more than preserving habitat.

Created in 1916, the National Park Service oversees places that serve as refuges for wildlife and destinations for millions of visitors. National park sites recorded 323 million visits and 1.39 billion visitor-hours in 2025, according to the agency.

Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, said the anniversary offers an opportunity to review lessons learned about safely sharing public lands with wildlife.

“Our national parks not only protect the wild animals and land that we all cherish, but they also provide a critical understanding of animal behavior and the importance of respecting wild spaces,” said Amanda Wight, senior program manager of wildlife protection for the organization.

Five lessons learned from national parks over the past 110 years

Visitors should never feed wildlife or leave food, garbage or other attractants unsecured. Animals that begin associating people and campgrounds with food can lose their natural wariness, potentially leading to dangerous encounters and the animal’s removal or death.

Visitors should generally remain at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears, wolves and other large carnivores. Binoculars or zoom lenses provide safer ways to observe and photograph animals.

In bear country, visitors are advised to learn how to avoid encounters, make noise while hiking and carry bear spray where permitted. Humane World for Animals said bear spray is more than 90% effective when used correctly.

Pet owners should follow the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. guidance: bag pet waste, always use a leash, respect wildlife and know where pets are permitted. Rules vary among park sites.

Visitors who see an animal in distress or witness someone approaching or harassing wildlife should not intervene directly. They should instead notify a park ranger, submit a tip to the National Park Service or call 911 during an emergency.

“Park visitors have a responsibility” to observe wildlife safely and from a distance, Wight said.