The rising waters along the Mississippi and its tributaries have forced animals out of their normal home ranges, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is asking people not to approach wildlife on levees, raised roadways and other high ground.
“The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is aware that flood waters have displaced wildlife and there has been an increase in deer-vehicle collisions in some areas of the Mississippi Delta,” Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Deer Program Coordinator Chad Dacus said. “The best thing people can do for wildlife is to leave these animals alone.
“Wildlife are under increased stress from the flood and have been pushed into unfamiliar areas. We are aware that animals are congregating in these areas, but people should not capture or handle them.”
MDWFP personnel are closely assessing the situation in the Delta and will continue to monitor wildlife populations in the coming months.
“Both biologists and conservation officers will be working with private landowners in the Delta to monitor the situation,” the agency’s of Technical Programs Larry Castle said.
MDWFP biologists also are cooperating with biologists from the private sector and other state and federal agencies to identify and address all potential wildlife issues.
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