From staff reports
Whether in their backyards or high on a mountain, it’s almost certain Pennsylvanians will encounter young wildlife this time of year.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission urges Pennsylvanians to resist to urge to interfere with young wildlife or remove any wild animal from its natural setting, according to a press release.
“Whenever people find young wildlife, such as deer and raccoons, they take them in because of misguided intentions,” Northwest Region Education Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission Regis Senko said.
While Senko didn’t have specific numbers, he did say that every year the game commission receives several reports of wildlife being taken from their habitats.
“It’s a common problem throughout the state, especially with raccoons,” Senko said.
“If you leave a young deer or raccoon alone and come back the next morning that animal will be gone.”
Deer employ what is known as the “hider strategy.”
“The other element is it’s not only for the benefit of the animal,” Senko continued.
“You don’t want to expose yourself to diseases, such as rabies, which is fatal in humans.”
Senko stressed the importance of contacting the Game Commission to report the wildlife.