If you care, leave them there

With spring approaching comes warmer weather and new life to the Flathead Indian Reservation. As wildlife in our area begin their new families, people are more likely to encounter their young.

When people find these animals alone, they often think they have been abandoned, and that is generally not the case, say wildlife experts.

Young wildlife are rarely abandoned. More often, the mother is only gone temporarily or is staying a short distance away to avoid attracting attention to her young.

“Ninety percent of all deer are born the last couple of weeks of May and into the first week of June,” says Kari Kingery, program manager for the CSKT Wildlife Management Program. “This is called predator swamping. With all deer born at the same time, this gives them a better chance for survival.”

During this time of year, the Wildlife Management Program also receives several phone calls on birds, especially concerning owls, who have fallen from their nest. “Parents will continue to feed their young on the ground, so we ask that you leave to them be,” writes Kingery.

The public is reminded that it is illegal to possess or harbor wildlife. Live big game, furbearing animals and birds are protected and cannot be possessed without a proper permit.

People who observe injured wildlife are encouraged to call the Tribal Dispatch’s new call number at 406-275-2774. For more information, contact the Tribal Wildlife Management Program at 406-883-2888.