July 15^th 2021

As the weather warms up, nature bursts back to life, offering Reserve visitors a unique sensory experience. If you’re lucky, you might be treated to such magical sights as a newborn fawn or a fisher hunting its prey.

For humans, some natural parts of animal’s lives can be disturbing, and we might feel driven to help an animal in danger or distress. So what should you do if you see an animal fleeing a predator or in some other kind of trouble?

The best option is to let nature take its course. Predatory behaviour and death are part of the natural balance of an ecosystem. In addition, contact with wild animals can be dangerous for visitors.

Here are a few rules to help you coexist with the wildlife at the Reserve:

• If you see a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and don’t linger nearby, as your presence may cause it even more stress.
• Never try to help or rescue an animal, as you may be bitten or otherwise injured in the process.

Never touch a wild animal, as doing so may endanger it. For example, fawns are born without a scent, and if you touch one you might leave your own scent on it, making it easier for predators to track.

If you see an animal behaving oddly and are concerned that it poses a threat to visitors, do not directly intervene. Instead, let a patrol officer or the Welcome Centre know. The Reserve team will know what to do and contact the proper authorities if necessary.

Remember, we are all visitors to this natural environment, so do your best to be a good guest.

A fisher (Pekania pennanti) with a prey (photo: Frédérique Truchon)

Header : A raccoon (Procyon lotor) perched in a tree (photo: Alex Tran)