At its most basic level, humane education is about learning to care for the animals in our homes and communities. It is about fostering kindness, respect and empathy for both human and nonhuman animals, and looking after the environment and its diverse habitats. Unlike science and other academic disciplines, humane education has a philosophical component that strives to establish a sense of responsibility and make the world a better, more humane place.

What would you do if you saw someone hurting an animal?
Answer: Get an Adult to Help!

If you see someone hurting an animal, don't try to help the animal yourself. That could be dangerous - the animal may be scared and the person hurting the animal may be angry. Try to remember what the person looks like, what was happening, and where it was happening. Then, get help from an adult that you trust. Along with the adult, call the police and local animal shelter. If you can't find an adult to help, call the police or your local emergency number (it is 911 in many areas).

How to enjoy nature without harming it:
Answer: Take photographs of wildlife!

Sit quietly and listen to nature, enjoy the many sounds.

If you go fishing, be very careful in properly disposing extra fish line. If left on the bank or in the water, fish line can terribly injure and possibly kill fish, ducks and other animals that become entangled in the line. Children and adults may also be injured by hooks and fish line that has not been properly thrown away. Be responsible! Use a closed container to throw extra fish line away.

Always throw all trash into garbage cans and never discard it on the ground.

Do not feed bread to birds or ducks. It is not healthy for them to eat and the birds and ducks will become dependent upon people feeding them. Feeding causes the ducks and birds to stray from their regular migration patterns and this could be dangerous for them.

Never throw rocks, sticks or other items at wildlife. Put yourself in their place... would you like it if someone did that to you?

Leave nests alone! Never move or play with a nest that has babies in it. The mother will care for the young until they are old enough to be on their own.

Don't make loud noises that might frighten wildlife. Be a quiet observer... you'll see and hear a lot more that way!

If you catch a fish, frog, toad or other small animal, be very careful so as not to cause any injury. It is interesting to look at an animal up close, but remember to release it immediately afterwards and to release the animal where you found it.