Hiking, Mountain Biking, and More Protecting Wildlife During Outdoor Activities 06/24/2026 from Mascha Dinter

Summer is here, and many people are drawn outdoors. Especially on weekends, the hiking trails fill up, mountain bikers ride through the woods, dogs are taken for walks, and joggers and geocachers are out and about. But what is relaxation and a chance to experience nature for humans can be stressful for wildlife. That’s because many outdoor recreational activities take place in areas where deer, foxes, and other wild animals live, raise their young, or seek peace and quiet.

“In principle, experiencing nature and species conservation are not at odds with one another,” emphasizes Paulina Kuhn, wildlife expert at the German Animal Welfare Federation. “What’s crucial, however, is the awareness that we humans share nature with wild animals and are moving through their habitat.” The goal is not to restrict experiences in nature, but to make them wildlife-friendly. “Those who respect nature and follow simple rules of conduct can help ensure that outdoor activities and the protection of wildlife and plants remain in harmony in the long term.”

Many wild animals depend on undisturbed periods of rest, breeding, and rearing. If they are startled by hikers, mountain bikers, or off-leash dogs, they often react by fleeing. This costs the animals valuable energy, which is in short supply, especially in winter or while raising their young. In addition, disturbances can cause parent animals to temporarily abandon their nests or young. This is particularly problematic for ground-nesting birds such as the lapwing or the skylark: if startled, they flee their nests, leaving eggs or chicks temporarily unprotected. These are then exposed to cold, heat, or predators. Even does can be separated from their fawns due to repeated disturbances.

In the fall, repeated disturbances can also have serious consequences. If the animals are repeatedly prevented from foraging as a result, they cannot build up the fat reserves essential for survival during the winter. For deer and chamois, the energy-sapping mating season also takes place at this time of year. Wild animals are most sensitive during the cold season. “In winter, wild animals need peace and quiet above all else. The scarce food supply and weather conditions already take a toll on their energy reserves,” says Kuhn. “If wild animals are startled in winter, they lose valuable energy that they can hardly make up for.”

To ensure that outdoor activities do not harm wildlife, we humans should follow a few basic rules of conduct. Above all, this means staying on designated paths and using only official trails when mountain biking. This helps prevent wildlife from being unnecessarily disturbed in their habitats. Dog owners should keep their pets on a leash whenever possible, especially in the woods and near meadows and fields, so that they do not startle wildlife or endanger young animals. It is equally important to respect wildlife quiet zones and areas that are temporarily closed off. This is especially true in winter: Anyone out on touring skis, snowshoes, or off-groomed trails should use designated routes and consistently avoid restricted areas.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also refrain from wild camping and nighttime activities, as many animal species are active during twilight and nighttime hours. Of course, everyone should also take their own trash and food scraps with them when they leave. Such litter not only pollutes the natural environment but can also attract wildlife or endanger their health. “Drones also have no place in sensitive natural areas. For many animals, these flying devices appear to be potential predators and cause significant stress,” says Kuhn.

But the responsibility does not lie solely with those who enjoy spending their free time in nature. From the perspective of the German Animal Welfare Federation, policymakers must also take action and create appropriate conditions to reconcile the experience of nature with wildlife conservation. “Clear signage for sensitive areas is extremely important,” says Kuhn. “Guiding people seeking recreation in a targeted manner—for example, through nature trails, visitor and nature conservation centers, or by dividing protected areas into different zones—can also help protect wildlife and create or preserve refuges.” Information brochures or signs explaining proper behavior in nature can also make an important contribution. “In addition, official hiking, biking, and mountain biking trails should be clearly marked. This helps prevent people from unintentionally entering sensitive habitats and disturbing wildlife.”

People out in nature generally do not encounter wildlife directly. This makes it all the more important to be aware that every visit leaves a trace. How significant this trace is depends on how you behave in nature. Being considerate doesn’t have to mean giving up outdoor activities, but it can make a decisive difference for wildlife.