Be Aware of Wildlife Displaced by Flooding

OTTAWA, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Wildlife Federation advises people in flood areas to be aware of wildlife that may be displaced as a result of the rising water.

Flooded habitats could force wildlife to seek temporary refuge in areas where they might not normally be found such as residential communities.  People are encouraged to minimize their contact with the animals as they may be under duress and in survival mode.

Residents are reminded to:

• Stay away from areas where wildlife have taken refuge
• Not interact with or feed wild animals
• Avoid roads in flooded areas to reduce the interference with wildlife and possible wildlife collisions

"We recognize that people want to try to help wildlife, but in these circumstances, often the best thing you can do is allow them to find their own refuge and food," says Wade Luzny, CWF CEO and Executive Vice-President. "Feeding wildlife will encourage them to stay in the area as they will see it as a new food source."

Wildlife posing a threat to humans should be reported to local wildlife authorities.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Wildlife Federation

Dr. David Browne, Director of Conservation  [phone]  [email protected]
Pam Logan, Director of Communications [phone]  [email protected]