Nebraskaland

May 2026 • Nebraskaland 19 belongings, but also protects wildlife. When animals learn to seek food from humans, it can lead to conflict, dependence or dangerous behavior. Storing your food properly is one of the simplest ways to show respect for Nebraska's wild residents. Don't Feed the Wildlife I know, it's tempting. A fox squirrel scurries up to your picnic table and gives you those pleading eyes. But feeding wildlife — intentionally or accidentally — can have serious consequences. Animals that become habituated to humans can lose their natural fear, get aggressive or become reliant on unnatural food sources. In some cases, it can even lead to relocation or euthanasia of the animal. So, as hard as it is, keep your snacks to yourself. Watching wildlife act wild is a much more rewarding experience. Stay On the Trail and Leave No Trace It's not just about avoiding poison ivy. Staying on trails helps protect fragile habitats and keeps you safe from stumbling onto a ground-nesting bird's eggs or surprising a sunbathing snake. Nebraska is home to all kinds of reptiles and amphibians, many of which are secretive and easy to step over without realizing. Every candy wrapper, piece of fishing line or abandoned glow stick has the potential to harm wildlife. So, pack out everything you brought in and leave your site better than you found it. That includes biodegradable waste — yes, even orange peels and sunflower seed shells. If you're camping with your dog, be extra mindful. Dogs can chase wildlife, trample nests or disturb dens without meaning to do so. Keeping them leashed helps protect them and your wild neighbors. Leave Wildlife Wild As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to take wild animals home with you. That box turtle crossing the trail? That frog your kid found near the creek? They're doing just fine right where they are. Wild animals belong in the wild, not in aquariums, backyards or shoeboxes. Turtles help keep ponds clean. Frogs eat mosquitoes. Even snakes help control rodent populations. When we remove these animals from their habitats, we're disrupting that balance — and chances are, the animal won't thrive in captivity anyway. Most wild reptiles and amphibians have specific needs that are hard to meet at home, even with the best of intentions. It's also important to know that moving wildlife around — especially reptiles and amphibians — can spread disease, such as ranavirus or the fungus that causes snake fungal disease. And depending on the species, taking certain animals from the wild may even be illegal. Instead, take a photo, share a story or just enjoy the moment. Teaching kids (and adults) to admire wildlife without needing to collect it helps build respect for the natural world — and ensures future campers enjoy those same wild encounters. Soak It All In Camping in Nebraska offers an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. Whether it's watching fireflies blink over a pond, hearing coyotes echo across the prairie or discovering tracks in the morning mud, it's a chance to slow down and truly see the world around you. These wild moments are why we camp — and why we must camp with care. So, the next time you're out under the Nebraska sky, remember: You're in someone else's home. Be curious, be cautious and most of all, be respectful. LEFT: Camping along Long Pine Creek at Long Pine State Recreation Area in Brown County. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND RIGHT: A wild turkey walks through Lee and Pat Miltner's campsite at Indian Cave State Park. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND Eastern fox squirrel feeding on a discarded camp snack. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND

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