Welcome to Baxter State Park

Our Natural Setting

How do I get a photo like those?

Photos like these require:

• Time and the patience to wait for the right moment.
• Knowledge of the animal’s lifestyle, habits and favorite spots.
• Using appropriate lenses which allow you to work from a respectful distance.
• Occasional use of natural cover or even an automobile as a photography “blind,” to avoid habituating the animal.
• An overall goal of avoiding impact on the animal at all times, as opposed to making the photo your primary goal.

Baxter State Park expects all wildlife watchers and photographers to respect the plants and animals inside the park; if you care about wildlife: observe, enjoy, but don’t encroach.

Principles of Ethical Field Practices

(Adapted from NANPA)

Every place, plant and animal, in or out of water, is unique; cumulative impacts occur over time from humans moving closer and closer to get the perfect photo. Therefore, one must always exercise good individual judgment; if you care about wildlife, observe, enjoy, but don’t encroach.

Environmental: Knowledge of Subject and Place

Learn patterns of animal behavior.
Know warning signs and stressed behavior of animals you are watching/photographing. Do not approach closely, follow or feed animals.

Respect the routine needs of animals.
Remember that others will attempt to photograph them too, sometimes many times in one day.

Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals.
If an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer lens. If an animal comes up to you, move away and discourage it from following you.

Acquaint yourself with the fragility of the ecosystem.
Stay on trails.

Individual: Expertise and Responsibilities

Treat others courteously.
Ask before joining others already shooting in an area.

Tactfully inform others if you observe them engaging in inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Many people unknowingly endanger themselves and animals.

Report inappropriate behavior to proper authorities.
Don’t argue with those who don’t care; report them.

Be a good role model, both as a photographer and a citizen.
Educate others by your actions; enhance their understanding.

Social: Knowledge of Rules and Laws

When appropriate, inform managers or other authorities of your presence and purpose.
Help minimize cumulative impacts and maintain safety.

Learn the rules and laws of the location.
Harassment of wildlife is illegal in Maine; do not approach, follow or feed wildlife.

In the absence of management authority, use good judgment.
Treat the wildlife, plants and places as if you were their guest.

Prepare yourself and your equipment for unexpected events.
Avoid exposing yourself and others to preventable mishaps.