The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, reminds anyone who encounters wildlife to leave newborn, abandoned or displaced animals where they belong – in the wild.
As another season of camping, fishing and other outdoor activities gets underway, outdoor enthusiasts are more likely to encounter a variety of wildlife with newborn young. It is important to observe these animals at a distance and avoid taking matters into your own hands if newborn wildlife appears to be abandoned or displaced from its parent. Any attempt to remove wildlife from its natural habitat can put a person and the animal in considerable danger. The parent may be just a short distance away and can become aggressive and dangerous if it senses its offspring is being threatened.
While some injured or orphaned wildlife taken from the wild may be relocated to Salmonier Nature Park for rehabilitation, the park is not equipped to manage high numbers of injured or orphaned animals. Possession and captive housing of wildlife by individual citizens is not permitted in Newfoundland and Labrador. Wildlife should be left in their natural surroundings and will only be handled by departmental staff if there is a cause for concern for public safety or if circumstances warrant the animal’s removal.
Anyone encountering what they believe to be an orphaned or injured animal is advised to contact their local forestry and wildlife office.
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“Each year, Conservation Officers deal with a variety of young or newborn wildlife being removed from the wild because people suspect these animals are abandoned or displaced. Although their intentions are good, a person’s desire to help nature in these situations is not the best choice for the animal, and is also a violation of the Wildlife Act. Please keep your distance from wildlife, and if you are concerned about an animal’s safety or condition, contact a Conservation Officer. Our staff are professionally trained to assess and handle such situations.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
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