Report a Wildlife Sighting

Emergencies

Dangerous encounters with animals are rare in Acadia but can happen. If there is an immediate threat to visitor safety call Park Dispatch at 207-288-3338 or Maine Warden Service at 1-800-423-7381.

Why To Report a Wildlife Sighting

Public wildlife observations contribute to our knowledge of animals in Acadia, help park managers preserve native species and habitats, and keep animals and people safe. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never attempt to feed, pet, or interact. Remember, the best relationship with wildlife is a long distance one.

There are differences between every day wildlife observations and those that should be reported to the park.

Summary

Emergencies – call Acadia Dispatch 207-288-3338 or Maine Warden Service at 800-423-7381.

General observations and citizen science – report your observations in iNaturalist

Sick or injured animals – email the Acadia Wildlife Team

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What to Report?

General Obserations And Citizen Science

You can engage in citizen science and use naturalist tools like eBird or iNaturalist, to record your wildlife observations. Check out the National Park Service Citizen Science website or CitizenScience.gov to join a citizen science project and join your fellow citizens in contributing to the scientific knowledge of the park.

Non-emergency wildlife sightings can be reported using iNaturalist, an online platform, app and website, that allows users to record sightings of the plants and animals around them while also collecting data for science and conservation. By recording observations within the park, you can help inform scientists and resource managers about the health of Acadia’s plants, animals, and ecosystems.

These types of sightings include:

• Any interesting animals you happen to see during your visit to Acadia, including black bears, raccoons, and porcupines
• Invasive plant species: You can find a list of target invasive plant species by following this link to www.nps.gov/acad/learn/nature/invasive_plants
• Pests or signs of pests, like the emerald ash borer

Every observation, even of common species, can provide valuable data on the status of Acadia’s resources.

How To Use iNaturalist

1. Create an iNaturalist account using the iNaturalist app or online at https://www.inaturalist.org/signup

2. To make an observation, select Observe and use the camera to take a picture or upload a picture from your camera roll. You can also use the app to record a sound.

3. Choose an identification for what you saw or heard. Select the “What Did I See” option to view suggestions or search for a specific species. If you’re not sure what you saw, you can always choose a broad category, like Plant, Animal, or Fungi

4. The app should automatically record the date, time, and location of the observation. If it doesn’t you may need to check the Privacy Settings in the app.

5. Save and share your observation. Now other users are able to view your observation and either confirm or refute your identification. Once two different users have agreed on an identification, your observation is considered Research Grade, meaning it is reliable and suitable to be used for scientific research.

Sick or Injured Animals

Any animal that is acting strangely or appears sick, or a dead animal in a high visitation area, such as Sand Beach or around Jordan Pond, should be reported by emailing the Acadia wildlife program using the contact form.

Rare Animals

Likewise, spotting a rare animal in Acadia can be an exciting experience and reporting them helps to inform scientists and resource managers about the current health of the species and the park’s resources.

Phone

Call us at (207) 288-3338

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What to Include in Your Report

In your report, such as either by phone call or email, please include the following information:

• Date and time
• Location (include GPS coordinates if you have them)
• Species or animal description
• Behavior or describe what the animal was doing
• Photo or video of the animal if you have one
• Email the Acadia wildlife program

Or go to Hulls Cove Visitor Center, or find a nearby park ranger.

You can also report Marine Wildlife by calling Allied Whale, the region's marine mammal stranding response organization, at (207) 288-5644.

What Not To Report?

Common 'false flag' wildlife sightings include a baby deer by the side of the road or in a meadow or a seal basking on a beach. Seals and other animals commonly sun themselves on rocks to warm up and seal pups often rest on the shore, away from predators, while their mothers hunt for food.