During spring and summer people engaging in outdoor activities are more likely to encounter a variety of wildlife with newborn offspring. Anyone encountering newborn, abandoned or displaced animals should leave them where they belong – in the wild.

While the instinct for many is to intervene to help newborn wildlife or animals that appear abandoned or vulnerable, wildlife managers recommend it is best to observe wildlife from a distance. Attempting to handle or remove wildlife from their natural habitat may cause further problems for the animal and could result in personal injury. In many situations, the parent animal may be just a short distance away and could become aggressive toward perceived threats to their offspring.

Due to the recent confirmation of avian influenza among wild bird populations in the province, the public are also encouraged not to feed, touch or handle wild birds to avoid the potential spread to domestic bird populations.

The public are reminded the possession and captive housing of wildlife by individual citizens is not permitted in Newfoundland and Labrador under the provincial Wild Life Act and Regulations.

Anyone encountering a suspected orphaned, injured or sick animal should report it to the nearest Forest Management District Office. If after-hours, please call 709-685-7273. Conservation Officers will intercede if there is a public safety concern or other circumstances warrant the animal’s removal. The preferred option is always to leave wildlife undisturbed in their natural surroundings.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca