FWP advises to let wildlife be

MINERAL COUNTY - Every spring Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issues its traditional message to Montanans to leave new born fawns and other infant wildlife where people find them.

“If you care, leave them there, whether you find a fawn under a tree in a neighbor’s yard or a bunny under a bush in the mountains,” said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena.

Hagener said wild animals commonly cache their young for periods of time to protect them from predators while the adults are feeding.

“Keeping dogs on a leash or otherwise under your control is another big favor you can do to protect young wildlife,” Hagener said.

Montana law prohibits the capture, feeding, possession and harassment of wildlife—both game and nongame species. These laws also protect Montana’s wild animals from becoming “pets.”

*Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks