It's a topic on all the forums and in all the groups; a popular subject for memes. Respect Nature. So let's have a talk about that as the unofficial "Official Research Season" seems to be starting.

First off, it's not a bad thing to have enthusiasm when you go out searching. But along with that eagerness is the accountability you should also take with you. I always liked the advice given in Jurassic Park II on how to be on the island and observe the dinosaurs but leave no trace.

No trace. No trash. No cigarette butts. No plastics. No cans. No bottles. No leftover food. No deliberate destructive damage, no harm to flora and fauna. Try to leave the area as you find it.

Protest ONE: But I'll leave tracks! I can't help that!

Yes, you will. And probably leave more than just a track or two. You'll also leave a few twigs broken, crushed grass, and other plant life. Those damages will heal and your scent will dissipate.

Protest TWO: But I want to gift!

Ah yes, gifting. Keyword: Gift. A gift. A token.

Not a banquet for twelve.

Not your leftover hiking snacks.

Not processed foods.

Not junk food.

Not left in containers; boxes, plastic, paper, netted, lidded, liddless, cans, bottles.

Maybe you've never seen the body of a wild creature caught up in the garbage of humanity -- the mesh bags or plastic ones, the animals with their heads stuck in cans or pails, the poor creatures sick or dying from eating "people" food that they can't digest, that gives them no nutrients, that fill their bellies but leave them starving.

Protest THREE: I'll go back and clean it up.

Yes, most likely you will return. But the damage is already done. The bag or container is already gone; blown or carried away -- an animal already injured or ill.

Protest FOUR: But they like _______. (Insert any processed food item.)

Yes, creatures will eat chocolate and bread and peanut butter and deli meat and cheeseburgers and Oreos and Twinkies and all the other delightful processed food stuffs we humans consume. That doesn't mean that it's good for them. A good guideline is: if it grows naturally in the area and is readily available to the wildlife, then leave them some.

Protest FIVE: But I bet they're hungry. I want to make sure they have enough to eat.

Nice thought. However, I truly believe that if a sasquatch is living in the area, it is because there is a steady available food supply. They are not, unless under extreme circumstances, starving. They are more than capable of finding food sources.

So, yes, leave a gift, a token of your offer of goodwill. A piece or two of fruit, or a couple of vegetables. Remember, this gift is a symbol of respect, not an "I'm-gonna-feed-you-for-the-rest-of-your-life" offer. Some researchers have found leaving small items works just as well. An unusual stone, or a colorful pebble. If on private property, some have left little trinkets that have been well received.

But overall, leave it as close to how you found it as you can. That is the best gift and sign of respect anyone can give to all the creatures in the wild.

It's one thing to make your mark in the bigfoot world. It's another to mar it.