How is harassment defined under wildlife protection law?

• A. Disturbing normal behavior of wildlife
• B. Killing or injuring wildlife
• C. Feeding wildlife illegally
• D. Capturing wildlife for research

Answer: (A)

Harassment in wildlife protection law centers on actions that disturb wildlife by interrupting their normal activities. When you chase, shout at, or get too close to animals, you can push them to alter their feeding, resting, or nesting routines, or to abandon a site. That disruption is the core idea behind harassment here, which is why disturbing normal behavior is the best answer. It emphasizes the impact on how animals live and function, not just whether they are harmed physically.

The other ideas describe separate violations. Killing or injuring wildlife is about physical harm or taking an animal, which is a different offense with its own penalties. Illegally feeding wildlife and capturing wildlife for research involve specific actions that are regulated for different reasons—habituation of wildlife to humans, food conditioning, or the need for permits—rather than the general concept of disturbing behavior. In practice, on the water, giving wildlife space and avoiding actions that disrupt their activities helps protect them from harassment and supports healthier ecosystems.