For me, in order for an animal sighting to count as an official animal sighting, the animal needs to be living. If you see a deceased animal, you know there are probably more living members of the same species in the area, which is cool, but I still don't count it as an animal sighting. 

The other day I was out for a walk, and at two separate times I stopped to check my texts.

And both times I stopped to check my texts, when I looked up, I saw animals.

But the sightings were quick, I couldn't be sure if the first was a rabbit or a squirrel it happened so swiftly, although I'm sure the second one was indeed an industrious raccoon.

Thus, lesson learned, don't check your texts or play with your phone when walking around in nature.

Who knows what animal sightings you may miss while doing something you could easily accomplish once relaxing back at your digs.

*The second sighting was actually at a traffic light close to but not within nature. I thought I was safe!