MADISON – Officers with Madison Police Department are urging resident to resist the temptation of feeding wildlife, which can result in a dangerous encounter.

“Having wooded areas and farmlands close by means we may experience some of nature’s beauty. Deer, coyotes, raccoons and other animals may venture out,” a department spokesperson said.

These animals “are not pets and should not be treated as such. Although we want to make sure they are cared for, especially the ‘babies,’ providing food or shelter causes disruption to their environment, as well as ours,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone who comes across a baby animal should not automatically assume that the mother abandoned it or the baby was injured. “Most often, the adult is not far away and will return to attend to their young,” the spokesperson said.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has more information about wildlife behavior. Visit outdooralabama.com/conservation-officers.

For information about the department, visit Facebook/Madison, Alabama Police Department.