May 17, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Abandoned Wildlife: If you care - Leave them there

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, has an important message for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as they get back to nature for camping, fishing and generally enjoying the great outdoors. When you encounter what you may feel is an orphaned or abandoned animal, it is best to leave the area at once and report the incident to your nearest forestry/wildlife office or police detachment.

This is the peak birth season for many of the province's wild creatures. Each year, around this time, the department receives a number of calls reporting lost or abandoned young wild animals. The minister wishes to emphasize, in many cases, it is a normal occurrence for the parent animals to leave their young unattended for extended periods of time. Often the adult animal will hide nearby and be reluctant to return while people are present.

"Another major concern is newborn young, in particular moose and caribou, will adopt any human they encounter. On many occasions they have willingly followed people home. The best thing to do is avoid direct contact and leave the area," the minister said. "Although people feel some obligation to intervene and help a lost animal, in fact this human contact may do more harm than good. An animal raised in captivity, in many cases, is unable to return to a wild existence."

The Provincial Wildlife Rehabilitation Program is based at Salmonier Nature Park, which is an environmental education and wildlife research facility operated by the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division. The park becomes home to lost and abandoned animals taken in by the public. Park staff attempt to rehabilitate and re-introduce animals back to the wild, but unfortunately, many wild animals raised in captivity do not survive on their own. Park staff also attempt to identify other accredited zoological parks willing to accept animals for educational display. Often, with common species, it is difficult to find a suitable home.

Media contact:  Cynthia Layden-Barron,
                         Director of Communications,
                         (709) 729-6183,
                         (709) 685-6612.

1999 05 17                          3:40 p.m.