(March 19, 2012) -- Each spring, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receives numerous phone calls from citizens who have “rescued” a young, wild animal believed to be in jeopardy. Many people do not realize that removing an animal from its natural habitat almost always compromises its chance of survival and could potentially endanger someone.
“Marylanders who come across young mammals should keep their distance and enjoy the moment,” said Paul Peditto, Director of Wildlife & Heritage Service. “It’s rare that wild animals abandon or orphan their young.”
Citizens are also encouraged to be alert for breeding birds, avoid disturbing them and never remove a nest with eggs. All native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which can be found at http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/MBirdTreatyAct.asp.
DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have teamed up to assist with nuisance, injured or sick wildlife situations. To reach them, or to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, call 1-877-463-6497 toll-free or look up wildlife rehabilitators by county at http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/rehab.asp.
To learn more about Maryland’s wildlife visit http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife or call the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
“Marylanders who come across young mammals should keep their distance and enjoy the moment,” said Paul Peditto, Director of Wildlife & Heritage Service. “It’s rare that wild animals abandon or orphan their young.”
Citizens are also encouraged to be alert for breeding birds, avoid disturbing them and never remove a nest with eggs. All native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which can be found at http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/MBirdTreatyAct.asp.
DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have teamed up to assist with nuisance, injured or sick wildlife situations. To reach them, or to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, call 1-877-463-6497 toll-free or look up wildlife rehabilitators by county at http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/rehab.asp.
To learn more about Maryland’s wildlife visit http://dnr.state.md.us/wildlife or call the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
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