DEM Hosting Virtual Educational Program on May 6 on Young Wildlife and How to Respond
In May and June, sightings of deer fawns, fox kits, songbird
chicks, bunnies, and baby squirrels become more common and generate concerned
calls from the public to the Department of Environmental Management's (DEM)
Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Often, young animals that appear abandoned or in danger are perfectly fine, and merely need to be left alone and given space.
However, there are some instances where
animals do need additional help from humans and potential veterinary attention.
A virtual
program set for Thursday, May 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. will provide
participants with the knowledge to determine when an intervention is necessary
to help young wildlife, as well as best practices to maintain human and
wildlife safety and health. DEM Wildlife Outreach staff will be joined by staff
from the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island (WRARI) to share
information and answer questions.
"We always appreciate public concern for our wildlife, especially vulnerable, young animals," said Mary Gannon, DEM Wildlife Outreach Coordinator.
"However, sometimes
folks can become overly concerned and get too close to little critters who
really just need peace and quiet and to be left alone, and this can cause
unnecessary stress to the animal. It's our hope that in collaboration with
WRARI, this program will help Rhode Islanders understand when animals need
assistance, and the best way they can help."
To register for
the program, visit: https://forms.gle/mu2EhCCxMoTjQWa68
If residents find
an injured wild animal, they can always contact WRARI at 401-294-6363 for
assistance. To report an animal that appears sick or is acting abnormally,
contact DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-3070.
For more
information on Rhode Island's wildlife, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/ Follow the
Division of Fish and Wildlife on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/RIFishwildlife/ and Instagram (@RI.FishandWildlife)
for timely updates.
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