ANNAPOLIS (September 9, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) remind citizens to be aware of wildlife displaced by current floodwaters. The public is urged to leave wildlife alone during these distressing times to avoid endangering themselves and further stressing the animals.
“The best strategy for humans is to leave these animals alone and just allow the waters to return to normal and the animals to do the same,” said Paul Peditto, director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service.
Although some animals will be temporarily displaced until the water recedes in flooded areas, most of Maryland’s native wildlife are extraordinary swimmers and will quickly seek shelter or a place to rest on higher ground.
The natural instincts of these animals will often drive them to places where people are not used to seeing wildlife. It is in these situations that people can do more harm than good.
'Leave wildlife alone' is one of the simplest and most important messages DNR has to offer at any time of the year. This message becomes even more critical when the stress of unusual weather conditions is added to our landscape and temporarily complicates the lives of our wildlife.
Source: Md. DNR