Charleston, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is asking to public to avoid young wildlife.
According to WVDNR officials, handling wildlife can cause harm the animals by spreading disease. They also want to remind you that when done without a permit, handling wildlife is against the law.
“Watching wildlife is one of the many joys of being outdoors in West Virginia,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “But for the safety of everyone and the preservation of our natural resources, it’s always best to leave young wildlife alone.”
WVDNR biologists also want to stress that picking up or even approaching young animals can leave behind human scent, which may put the animal at risk by attracting predators. Human contact with animals also increases the chance of spreading diseases such as rabies, ticks, Lyme disease and roundworms.
“We get a lot of calls this time of year about fawns, birds and baby rabbits that people think are abandoned or injured,” said Vinnie Johnson, WVDNR wildlife biologist. “Most of the time, those animals are doing exactly what nature intended.”
Mature deer often leave their young for extended periods of time while hunting for food. People also often mistake fledgling birds for injured ones. If the bird is featherless and the nest is within reach, it can be carefully returned to the nest. But most of the time, if the birds have feathers, they could possibly be learning how to fly.
The WVDNR reminds the public that it is illegal to possess wild animals without a permit. Fines for unlawful possession of a fawn, bird, squirrel, bear cub or other wildlife range from $20 to $300, and may include jail time up to 100 days.
To learn more about wildlife in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov.
