I wanted to create this thread so that people can share safety tips for iNatting in public environments (any environments where there are or may be strangers) I think we sometimes take safety for granted, and to make sure that everyone stays safe while observing, I think it is worth it to have a dis…

[image] eyekosaeder: I don’t know what I can do differently. The only thing you need to do is change how you think. Why should you care what some random stranger thinks about what you are doing? Be confident. When they look confused, or nervous just smile, and maybe wave, and go back to what …

[image] eyekosaeder: People crossing to the other side when I’ve seen something interesting and am taking pictures on it on a sidewalk. Or people hesitant to walk by when I’m hunched over some plant on a hiking trail. Have you thought of bringing along a friend to survey them ;? Someone a bi…

I’ve done this before unintentionally multiple times :laughing:

Oh yes - the paid dogwalker - while we are photographing a delicate gladiolus - and the exuberant woof charges straight over it. It WAS a gladiolus. Next …

Because that random stranger is apt to call the police on someone ‘acting strangely’. This isn’t limited to observing for iNat. As a field biologist who has had the police/ranger/sherrif/game warden (take your pick, I’ve met them all) come up and say someone reported suspicious activity in the area,…

Yes! SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. Absolutely! (Came here to say that.)

[image] petezani: Because that random stranger is apt to call the police on someone ‘acting strangely’. This isn’t limited to observing for iNat. As a field biologist who has had the police/ranger/sherrif/game warden (take your pick, I’ve met them all) come up and say someone reported suspicious…

I’m sorry you live in a place where you have to worry about someone calling the cops on you just because you are engaged in a harmless activity.

Yes, I think dealing with police/security/authorities is it’s own special subsection of staying safe. Interestingly, the police are often called because, as many have noted above, the general public sees people observing or doing research, and thinks it is strange or dangerous enough to warrant a ca…

Staying Safe While iNatting in Public

General

giannamaria September 1, 2024, 1:31pm 47

Before we get too off topic, this thread is for anything you do while iNatting in public environments to stay safe. For dealing with curious people who approach you while observing things, I recommend this thread by @slowdown

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Staying Safe While iNatting in Public

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