Respect Wildlife 4v2 PadWzg0OCw1MDAsIkZGRkZGRiIsMF0

For nature lovers, and for those who wish to learn more about what lives in Nova Scotia's forests, an upcoming series on our beautiful indigenous wildlife will peek into the lives of some of our woodland animals.

A single species will be featured in each article, highlighting its physical appearance, its general behaviours, what it eats, how it interacts with humans, and will include some fascinating and factual myth-busters.

We are a part of nature, as are the other creatures around us, but in our ever-increasing push to develop human habitats, we take from nature for ourselves. In doing that, we can cause the loss of species and their environs, which means we take away from ourselves as well.

Boundaries are very important to achieve a workable balance between human habitats and the animals in the nature that surrounds us. This means that we need to live safely near and around wildlife and, just as important, the wildlife needs to be able to live safely near us. Yes, you read that right. Wildlife can be a danger to us, but we can also be a danger to the wildlife.

Sometimes, even with best intentions and practices, clashes between the species will happen. When that does occur, human safety takes precedence. That said, with some facts on how to act in a confrontational situation, we can mitigate much of the problem before having to call in help for what may turn into a "nuisance" animal. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and nowhere would this adage have more meaning than to avoid a confrontation in the first place.

Because wild animals should always be left alone, the articles will give safety tips on how to keep human habitats safeguarded, and also how to keep the wildlife safe from accidental human encounters.

The best place to get close to our wildlife is at the Shubenacadie Provincial. Wildlife Park There you will see representatives of our amazing animals up close, but in a surrounding that is safe for both the visitors and the animal ambassadors that live in one of the loveliest crown jewels of Nova Scotia's parks.

The wild animals in the enclosures are just that, wild animals. They are housed in the park for good reasons. These animals have been injured, or orphaned, and due to their individual circumstances cannot be released back into the wild. Quite simply, if they were released, they could not fend for themselves, nor could they survive on their own.

The wildlife park provides safe and comfortable lives for these rescued animals. In return, they serve as living wildlife ambassadors from which we can learn.

Even though I am a regular volunteer at the wildlife park, I always learn or see something new each time I walk in the park, or work with the staff at the Ducks Unlimited Legacy Center.

In addition to species indigenous to Nova Scotia, you will also see other species from different parts of Canada, and indeed from around the world. There is something for everyone, and there is always something new to learn.

Although the park is set up for the enjoyment and education of the human visitors, the needs and comfort of the animals are always paramount.

Join me next time and read about our Nova Scotia black bear.