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Fish & Wildlife News: Leave wild wild, pollinators in trouble, snaking around

Submitted by tim on

Leave Wildlife Wild, Their Lives May Depend on It

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is again urging Vermonters to leave wildlife in the wild where they belong. The department is receiving calls and emails from individuals who are temporarily caring for wildlife, mostly young skunks, woodchucks, raccoons, foxes and other mammals, only to find wildlife rehabilitation facilities are full and not accepting additional animals.

“Most young wildlife should be left in the wild as the adults, although not visible, are likely close by. In addition, taking in any wild animal is not only unsafe, it is illegal in Vermont,” says Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department furbearer biologist Kim Royar. “We have seen a tremendous increase in numbers of people who have taken in young wild animals recently, but these folks are finding that wildlife rehabilitation centers are at maximum capacity and are turning away new animals.”

Having been removed from their mothers and unable to care for themselves, these baby animals often have to be euthanized, leaving their temporary caretakers and their families heartbroken despite their good-willed attempts to help wildlife.
Pollinators in Peril
Many of Vermont’s pollinator species continue to remain in peril, and as Vermonters are returning to their gardens and landscaping projects this spring, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has some suggestions for you that might greatly benefit our essential pollinator species.
Living Among Snakes
With the onset of longer days and warmer temperatures, many snakes have emerged from their winter dens to bask in the sun. Vermont is home to eleven species of snakes.

Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department 6.17.2020