Wildlife officials are warning members of the public not to intervene or handle sick, injured or dying wildlife.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture says staff recently responded to reports of people attempting to rehabilitate injured or sick animals.

Two sick foxes, that were removed from the wild on the Avalon Peninsula have tested preliminary positive for avian flu. Test results are pending for two more foxes from the Avalon and Notre Dame Bay areas.

Because of the high incidence of avian flu in wild birds, and the animals that prey on them, the department is not issuing any taxidermy permits at this time.

The department says it is human nature to want to help animals that appear to be sick, injured, orphaned or abandoned—or to remove carcasses—but wildlife should be left undisturbed.

If you encounter a sick, injured, dead or dying animal, contact your nearest Forest Management District office or call 709-685-7273.