Springtime reminder: Keep dogs on a leash in forests to protect young wildlife

Spring, along with increased nature walks, is a challenging time for wild animals. They teach their offspring to be independent during this period, making it especially significant for them. Foresters are urging dog owners not to let their dogs off-leash in the forest. A startled fawn might leave the spot where it was gone by its mother.

Many dog owners let their pets run loose during forest walks to give them a chance to roam freely. However, it is worth remembering that a forest or a wild meadow is not a dog park, and one can often encounter other animals in these areas.

For their well-being, keeping your pet on a leash is advisable. This precaution can prevent dangerous encounters, for example, with wild boars, and help other forest inhabitants feel safe, especially in spring.

Foresters remind us of its importance during this time. In their appeal, they emphasize the well-being of young fawns, which, left on a meadow by their mothers, can find themselves in mortal danger when confronted by our dogs.

Mother Nature knows best how to care for the young. That's why, knowing how defenseless fawns are right after birth, she equipped them with a specific defense system: special coloration, a complete lack of scent, and the ability to remain motionless, informs State Forests.

This is information worth repeating until it reaches everyone, as situations still occur where someone takes a small fawn from a meadow, thinking it has been abandoned by its mother, while it is actually learning independence.

During this time, the female is foraging, gaining strength, and returns to her young for feeding every few hours. If she doesn't find it where she left it, its chances of growing up in the natural environment diminish.

Foresters appeal no to let your dogs off-leash in the forest. A startled fawn might leave the spot where it was left. If you encounter young ones in the forest - do not try to rescue them!