Well-meaning residents are being reminded to leave wildlife in the wild after a few recent incidents involving moose calves that were moved or approached by people believing them to be abandoned.

The provincial government is asking people to avoid taking matters into their own hands if a newborn animal appears abandoned or separated from its parent.

Any attempt to remove wildlife from its natural habitat puts both the person and the animal in danger. The parent may be a short distance away and can become aggressive and dangerous if it senses its offspring is in danger.

The province says while some injured or orphaned wildlife can be relocated to Salmonier Nature Park for rehabilitation, the park is not equipped to manage high numbers of injured or orphaned animals.

Owning or housing wildlife by private citizens is against the law in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Anyone encountering what they believe to be an orphaned or injured animal should contact their local forestry and wildlife office.