Wildlife stressed, snowmobile riders reminded to stay clear
With significant snow storms dropping record to near-record snowfall on much of the state the past several weeks, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds snowmobile enthusiasts to stay clear of wildlife and its habitat so animals do not suffer additional stress.
Wildlife chief Jeb Williams said North Dakota’s wildlife population has already suffered significantly this winter.
“Any undue stress makes it worse,” Williams said.
Snowmobiles cannot be used to flush, chase or pursue wildlife. Running snowmobiles near, through or around winter habitat such as thickets, cattails and wooded areas may inadvertently scare wintering wildlife, causing them additional stress or injury.
Snowmobiles can be used off an established trail while fox or coyote hunting, but chasing a coyote through cover or across an open field on a snowmobile is illegal.
Williams said Game and Fish is concerned about the state’s wildlife, especially since it is still early in winter.
