Fisheries and Land Resources reminds anyone who encounters wildlife to leave newborn, abandoned or displaced animals where they belong – in the wild.

As members of the public become more engaged in responsible outdoor activities and follow guidelines of NLife with COVID-19, outdoor enthusiasts are more likely to encounter a variety of wildlife with newborn young. Please observe wildlife from a distance and avoid taking matters into your own hands if newborn wildlife appear abandoned or displaced from parents. Any attempt to remove wildlife from their natural habitat is dangerous for the person and the animals. The parent may be just a short distance away and could become aggressive if they sense a threat.

Conservation Officers will only handle wildlife if there is a public safety concern or circumstances warrant the animal’s removal; otherwise, wildlife are best left in their natural surroundings. While the department may relocate some injured or orphaned wildlife to Salmonier Nature Park for rehabilitation, the park is not equipped to manage high numbers of injured or orphaned animals. Possession and captive housing of wildlife by individual citizens is not permitted in Newfoundland and Labrador under the provincial Wild Life Act and Regulations.

Anyone encountering what they believe to be an orphaned or injured animal should contact their local Forestry and Wildlife district office.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca