Maine Wildlife Experts Ask Folks To Watch From Afar, As Animals Start To Emerge This Spring

It's springtime in Maine, which means just as the snow starts to melt, and the buds start to pop up from their underground slumber, the animals in the area have really started to venture out and about, too.

Just take a look at these little fox pups Bangor resident, Adrienne Martin, caught on camera, frolicking about in the sunshine, a few years ago. This took place right in her backyard on Broadway.

A spokesman for the Department of Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife, Mark Latti, says that while it can be tempting for folks to get closer to the wildlife they come across (whether it be out on the trails, or even within city limits) it's better to "always enjoy wildlife from a distance."

Latti says it's normal to see things like deer, foxes, coyotes, and even bear start to emerge from the woods this time of year. It's also typical for these animals to have their babies with them or nearby. And while it's hard to resist the urge to draw near to these cuddly critters in order to get a closer look, that can sometimes lead to problems.

Not only are animals often quite protective of their young, in some cases, like birds for instance, Latti says should people stray too close to nesting birds, but they may also abandon the nest and put the eggs at risk of not developing.

"We always say 'If you care, leave them there.' It's better to zoom in with your camera, if you can than to get closer in person."

Latti says that if you come across an animal you believe might be in distress, you can always reach out to a Maine Game Warden. The Wardens can be reached through the Maine State Police dispatch by calling (207) 624-7076. Or you can reach out to a Maine State Wildlife Biologist by going to www.maine.gov/ifw.