DiscoverNEPA is all about celebrating Northeastern Pennsylvania’s abundant and vibrant natural spaces. We want you to get outside, relax and unwind in the mountain air, among the towering trees, along the crystal-clear lakes and streams. We just want to make sure everyone enjoys these places safely and respectfully.
That’s why we’re teaming up with state agencies, local conservation authorities and outdoor enthusiasts to bring you expert advice, tips and so much more to help you enjoy NEPA’s great outdoors.
Practice Caution, Avoidance and Restraint in All Wildlife Encounters
Soon enough, everyone reading this will be enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. Warmer temps, songbirds in backyards, and you’ve guessed it, juvenile wildlife emerging from nests and dens across the Commonwealth having their first experience of life outside for the first time. So, to say that spring is a bustling time of year is an understatement.
We’re a part of their world
Often, juvenile wildlife that frequent small woodlots and backyards expose themselves unknowingly to yourself or neighbor. Also frequently, humans attempt to intervene and handle the wildlife in an effort to save it, thinking that it has been abandoned or sick. We often think that the humane thing is to “rescue” the animal. Although, interfering with wildlife is a serious issue and can end up causing more harm than good.
Keep your distance
Understanding if an animal is actually injured or abandoned vs just doing what nature intends for a certain species of wildlife to do is absolutely necessary. Whitetail Deer fawns, for example, are often left alone in secluded cover by the mother so predators are not attracted to the fawn. The adult will only return to the fawn a few times a day, mostly at dawn and dusk, to feed the fawn. If you happen to stumble upon a fawn that is bedded, the adult female is usually nearby. If this happens, I urge you to slowly back away and leave the fawn alone. Picking the fawn up causes more harm than good.
We at the Pennsylvania Game Commission are the wildlife experts within the Commonwealth
We always urge people to leave wildlife alone and to not interfere with wildlife. Interfering with wildlife, especially newborns, may lead to unintended consequences such as imprinting or habituation, which can decrease the animal’s chance at survival. Handling wild animals also puts you and others at risk of injury or contracting diseases or parasites.
How you can help
If you find yourself outside this coming spring, enjoying the warmer weather and longer days, and find yourself in close proximity of any species of wildlife, please give it space. If you believe the animal to be sick, injured or abandoned, please contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. If it is a wildlife emergency, a game warden will respond accordingly.
Featured image (Top) courtesy of PA Game Commission.
