The north offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Over 400 species of birds and 100 species of mammals are known to occur here. Species such as grizzly bear, moose, caribou , bald eagles and marine life can be observed with ease and in numbers unknown in most other areas of North America. People who enjoy watching and photographing wildlife can sometimes harm wildlife unintentionally.
Most animals react with alarm when approached by humans on foot or in any type of vehicle.
Depending on the situation, an animal may remain, flee, or in some cases, attack. Such reactions are stressful and cause the animal to expend energy. Although an animal might easily compensate for the energy lost in a single, short disturbance, prolonged or repeated disturbances may add up to higher costs than an animal can afford. Repeated disturbance may cause wildlife to avoid an area, even if the area provides the best food, nesting site, or source of essential minerals. Even a single disturbance during nesting season might be harmful to sensitive species such as loons.