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Remember: Wildlife animals are not pets

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources wants to remind the public that if they encounter any wild animal acting tame or unafraid of humans, please leave the animal alone.

Recently, several individuals have been injured by a white-tailed deer that had become accustomed to people after being held illegally in captivity. Wild animals that lose their fear of humans can injure people or pets.

Wild animals are meant to be wild, not pets. When wild animals are fed, held in captivity, or otherwise treated as pets, they become accustomed to people. This can lead to serious injuries to both people and domestic pets as the animal matures.

White-tailed deer naturally become more aggressive during the fall breeding season, when they can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries if held in captivity or provoked. DWR asks anyone who sees an approachable or sick wild animal to please report it to the wildlife conflict help line at 1-855-571-9003, between the hours of 8 a.m. and...

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