June 11, 2013

Media Event at Maine Wildlife Park on Dealing With Young Wildlife

The Maine Wildlife Park will host a media event on Thursday, June 13 to remind everyone of the importance of leaving young wildlife alone.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Wildlife Park, located at 56 Game Farm Road off Route 26 in Gray.

Three fawns and many other young animals have already been brought to the park this spring and summer.

?The general public can become very concerned when they happen across young wildlife that appear to be alone or in trouble, and often want to help them,? said IFW Wildlife Education Coordinator Lisa Kane. ?We want to remind everyone that wild parents cannot hire babysitters, and have to leave their youngsters for periods of time to find food. It?s very important to leave young birds or wildlife alone because trying to help wild animals can often put them at greater risk.?

While it is often well-intentioned people who take in young animals, the animals are safer in the wild than with someone who doesn?t have proper training on how to care for them.

During the event, media members will be able to interview an IFW representative about what people should do if they do encounter baby animals or birds in the wild. Media members will also be able to photograph or get video of the three fawns at the park.

The Maine Wildlife Park is managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is home to more than 30 wildlife species.

For more information on wildlife in Maine, go to www.mefishwildlife.com.