Wildlifewatcher.com Answers the Call of the Wildlife Enthusiasts

New Web Site Targets Consumers Spending $29.2 Billion on Wildlife Viewing and Related Activities

Wildlifewatcher.com Answers the Call of the Wildlife Enthusiasts with Species and Locations Reports, Tips for Safe Viewing, and a Stunning Photo Gallery of North America's Favorite Wildlife


Portland, Maine, February 11, 2001 - In 1996, according to a study by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Americans spent $29.2 billion to observe, feed, and photograph wildlife in the United States. In recognition of this increased interest in outdoor life, newly-launched wildlifewatcher.com offers enthusiasts a comprehensive resource for wildlife viewing information, including descriptions on the best locations to view animals and background information on dozens of species all written by a national network of expert wildlife correspondents.

"North America offers a tremendous variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, from moose in Maine to alligators in the southeast and Orca whales of the Pacific Northwest," said Bill Silliker, Jr. Chief Editor of wildlifewatcher.com. "Our initial goal is to provide enthusiasts with the best information on when and where they can spot their favorite critters and at the same time help people understand the importance of learning wildlife behavior, both for personal safety and so as not to interfere with the animals. Longer term, we believe we can build a more comprehensive internet-based community that brings together wildlife consumers and providers of related equipment and services on a national, regional, and local level."

Wildlifewatcher.com provides outdoor enthusiasts with easy-to-read information on dozens of species including moose, deer, elk, wolves, bears, wading birds, song birds, waterfowl and more. The site also provides detailed descriptions of some of the best viewing locations including many State Parks,

National Parks, and National Wildlife Refuge sites. According to Silliker, wildlifewatcher.com is unique in that all the site correspondents are all wildlife photographers who have actually been to the places they're writing about. That helps to ensure that site visitors receive accurate information.

For people who prefer to experience the beauty of wildlife from the comforts of their own desktop, wildlifewatcher.com offers a photo gallery which features many of North America's favorite wildlife. All of the photographs have been contributed by the wildlifewatcher.com correspondents and are available for sale to site visitors. Wildlifewatcher.com also offers a Community Bulletin board where site visitors can post their own comments and suggestions on wildlife viewing locations.

About wildlifewatcher.com
Wildlifewatcher.com was founded by Silliker, who has been published internationally, including by National Geographic Society, National Wildlife, Audubon, Outdoor Life, Outdoor Photographer and many others, as well in five of his own books on moose, loons and eagles, along with Jim Boutin and Donna Danis who respectively bring over 20 years of technology management and marketing expertise to the new venture. Regional Editors responsible for site-specific information include the following:

Northeast Region Editor: Jerry and Marcy Monkman, whose work photographic work has appeared in Outdoor Photographer, Backpacker, Yankee, German GQ, and Audubon and National Geographic field guides. They are also the authors of "Discover Acadia National Park: The best hiking, biking, and paddling."

Southeast Region Editor: Robert Falls, full-time professional wildlife and nature photographer and environmental writer, based in Birmingham, Alabama. Robert's publishing credits include National Geographic Books, Abbeville Publishing, National Wildlife Federation, Chanticleer Publishing, and the Audubon Society. The National Park Service has also included Robert's images in their publications at two park locations.

Mountain Editor: Dave Zawalski, an avid photographer and outdoorsperson who resides in Boulder, Colorado.

National Correspondent: Matt Patterson. Having devoted the last six years to photographing the wonders of nature, Matt's photos have been published by Audubon Calendars, Discovery, Corporate Ads, books, zoos, and magazines, as well as in limited edition prints.
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