Supporting endangered species doesn’t always need to involve a significant campaign. There are plenty of simple things that you can do right now to keep the animals around us safe. Here are just a few to keep in mind.

Educate Yourself

If you want to learn how you can support endangered animals, educate yourself about the wildlife in your area. There are plenty of resources available such as wildlife refuges, parks, and nature centers, and many of these are closer to you than you might think. Start by visiting one of these places and asking for information about the kinds of wildlife they protect.

You can also do some research on your own if you wish. Study the birds and other animals you regularly see when you’re outside. If you see something interesting, make a note of it or take a picture with your phone and look up information online.

Make Your Home Animal-Friendly

If you have animals around your home, you can take steps towards making your property safer for them. Secure garbage cans tightly to discourage animals from rummaging through your trash and getting into something that could harm them, reduce the amount of water you use in your home, and feed your pets indoors. If you have a birdbath on your property, disinfect it regularly to keep it from transmitting harmful diseases to birds and other wildlife. Finally, include some native plants in your landscaping. These provide excellent sources of food and shelter for wildlife in your area.

Avoid Using Herbicides and Pesticides

Herbicides and pesticides can keep your garden and lawn looking beautiful, but they are horrible for the local wildlife. Even “safe” pesticides can build up in the ground and create a toxic environment for animals in your area.

If you’re worried about the state of your garden or lawn, check beyondpesticides.org for alternatives to store-bought pesticides and herbicides.

Be Kind to Animals

Sometimes, just being kind to animals is enough to keep them safe. Avoid driving too fast on roads where animals might cross, and use live traps if animals are causing problems on your property. Respect local laws if you ever go hunting or fishing, and never be needlessly cruel if you need to kill an animal. You can be a hunter and still respect and preserve nature.