The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland to protect animal welfare and ensure public safety. Deer are born with specialized adaptations, Read the Rest…
Anyone Encountering a Fawn Should Leave it Alone The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle it. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is dangerous, harmful to the animal, and against the law. Deer Read the Rest…
Update as of August 17, 2021 In late May, wildlife managers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and other states began receiving reports of sick and dying birds. Several passerine bird species have been affected. No human health or domestic animal (pets, livestock and poultry) issues have been documented. As of mid-August, Read the Rest…
Entries for Annual Contest Taken Until August 5 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest. Photographers, novice or professional, can enter for the chance to win cash, park passes, and other great prizes.
Weighing just about the same as a penny, the mighty ruby-throated hummingbird makes a 1,000-plus mile journey each year. It travels from Central America back to the eastern United States in the spring to breed. The familiar hum of its flight and the flash of green are a welcome sight in gardens.
Born and raised in the Baltimore area, Beth Schlimm has always had an appreciation for Maryland’s wildlife. As a kid and aspiring herpetologist, she loved nothing more than spending days outside on the hunt for slimy and scaly critters like salamanders and snakes.
Handling Fawns is Usually Unnecessary, Often Dangerous, and Always Illegal Fawns are a sight to behold. Born helpless in late spring, they rely on their camouflage and virtual lack of odor to help them hide from danger. Fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators. This behavioral adaptation has helped white-tailed deer survive for Read the Rest…
In terms of wildlife, with many species predating the time humans arrived on the scene, 50 years may not seem like a long time. But as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources celebrates our 50th anniversary this year, we can look back on the Maryland of 1969 and see that significant changes took place. The Read the Rest…
Observe from a Safe Distance; Never Feed or Pet Wild Animals Each year during the spring and summer months, the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources receive reports of residents attempting to care for or possess wild animals. These attempts are often made with good intentions, but pose serious risks Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild After a long winter slumber, black bears are now emerging from their dens, and human residents of Maryland’s bear country should take steps to keep both species separate and safe. Adult and newborn bears will emerge hungry and seeking natural food sources, but many of their preferred foods — Read the Rest…