As the season of camping, fishing and other outdoor pursuits commence, the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, reminds the public this is also the time of year when people encounter wildlife, their newborn young, or young abandoned animals.

"Every year, government officials deal with moose calves, and occasionally the young of other species, being removed from the woods by well-meaning people," said Minister Jackman. "I understand most individuals have good intentions when they bring moose calves out of the woods; however, their desire to help nature in these situations is usually misplaced."

It is important that wild animals are left in their natural environment and that individuals are aware of the potential dangers involved.

The minister noted that if people remove a calf which appears to be abandoned because its mother is feeding, or because a disturbance from people caused the mother to move a short distance away, they are putting themselves in considerable danger. "A mother moose, sensing her calf is threatened may attack and cause considerable injury to someone. Such instances have occurred in the past," he said.

For more information, contact the Salmonier Nature Park at 709-729-7888 or visit online at: //www.gov.nl.ca/snp/.

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Media contact:
Diane Hart
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 685-4401
dianehart@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 16                                                      9:30 a.m.