There are sure to be plenty of animal sightings in the area now that summer is officially here.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says people should be keeping their distance from wildlife, even if they think an animal is sick or injured. To tell if an animal is hurt you should see some of these signs: blood, wounds or swelling on the body, a dangling leg or wing or their body covered in fleas.
The MNRF says you cannot keep wildlife in captivity without the Ministry’s Authority, but you can possess a wild animal for 24 hours if you are transporting them to a rehabilitator or veterinarian.
The best possible solution is to contact your local MNRF office if you come across an animal you think may be sick or hurt.
The MNRF says don’t remove the animal from its natural habitat. It most likely doesn’t need help and moving it could do more damage. Some species will leave their offspring alone temporarily.
If you see a young animal by itself for 24 to 48 hours then contact your local MNRF office.
Keep yourself and your pets a good distance away from the animal as well, as the adult may not come back in fear of predators.
