9 things to keep in mind before you go into a forest

It is that time of the year when people head out to the sanctuaries for spotting some wildlife. But, there are certain basic things that you have to keep in mind when you head out to the wild. We bring you a list. 1) The boars, the elephants, and the tigers are not used to perfumes, they sweat it out, so stay clear from any such scents that might make them uncomfortable in their own homeland. 2) The wild animals know when and how to eat. They are absolutely not waiting for us to land there with a packet of Parle G and feed them. 3) The jungle is their home. Let us not go there and dump the garbage from our world out there. 4) Crying infants can scare/shy the animals away. So do people who scream when they see spiders or get bitten by leeches. So, if you are scared by these things, keep away from the wild, it is not for you. Also read [Mowgli's forests, Shere Khan's too](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/my-discovery/the-forests-where-mowgli-bhageera-and-shere-khan-lived.html) 5) Public Display of touch is not the norm of the jungles. Do not try to touch any birds/animals. 6) There is enough music in the rustling of leaves, meandering of the wind and in the sounds of the birds. So keep the music systems back at home. Also read [Forests in Kerala](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/my-discovery/on-worldwildlifeday-trip-forests-in-kerala.html) 7) Do not use your camera flash when inside the jungle. 8) Mobile phones should be kept in the silent mode. It is not ideal for it to blare while you are in the middle of the jungle and waiting for a sighting by the waterhole. 9) If you throw a stone at the animals in the wild, you might be history, literally. On that note, I would say, breath some fresh air, lighten up the mood and try to observe the behavior of animals. Many a time, these jungles have been witness to episodes where a mother monkey slaps its young one in an attempt to teach the art of drinking water. Or a group of elephants try to protect the baby in the group. Lavanya Singhal is a wildlife enthusiast, traveler and runs her own company called the [Naturelounge](https://www.naturelounge.in/)