April 30, 2021
Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Reminds Manitobans to be Wildlife Smart
Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is advising that if you encounter wildlife that appears sick, injured or orphaned you should contact a conservation officer in the local district office or call the toll-free TIP line.
Wildlife encounters can take many forms and sometimes wildlife may seem to need our help.
A young animal without a parent nearby may appear to be orphaned or it may actually have a parent nearby. Parents are typically very protective of their young and could become aggressive if they return and find you near their young.
When you encounter wildlife that appears as if it could be orphaned, remember these points:
• Do not attempt to approach or capture the wildlife as your approach could jeopardize the animal’s well-being;
• note the animal’s exact location and the animal’s physical condition, if possible;
• contact a conservation officer to provide this information by calling the local district office, or call the toll-free TIP line at 1-800-782-0076 and a conservation officer will determine the best course of action for the situation; and
• do not attempt to keep the animal as it is illegal in Manitoba to possess or rehabilitate wildlife without the proper permits.
Black Bears
Finding a black bear cub alone does not necessarily mean it has been orphaned or abandoned. Female bears haven been known to leave their young cubs in a large tree while they forage nearby, sometimes up to three kilometres away. The cubs may remain in the tree or play around its base, ready to climb up if they sense a potential threat.
White-Tailed Deer
A white-tailed deer doe (mother deer) will often leave her fawn lying curled up and hidden in vegetation for extended periods of time (up to eight hours) while she feeds. This behaviour assists in the fawn’s survival. The doe’s absence allows her to obtain nutrients that assist with nursing and the doe’s activities can draw a predator’s attention away from her young. By interfering in this process, you reduce the chances for the fawn’s survival.
For more information on how to coexist with wildlife in Manitoba, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/fish-wildlife/wildlife/wildlife_human/.
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