Blog Archives

Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation.

As Missouri families head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of summer, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding everyone to appreciate wildlife from a distance and keep wild animals wild.

With warmer weather, you may encounter young wildlife such as racoons, baby birds, rabbits, and other animals that may appear to be orphaned or abandoned.

“Human interference, even with good intentions, can often do more harm than good,” said Russell Duckworth, MDC protection regional supervisor. “It’s natural to want to help when you see a baby animal alone. But what many people don’t realize is that in most cases, the young are not abandoned, and their mothers are usually nearby, watching and waiting for humans to leave so they can safely return.”

MDC reminds the public that picking up, feeding, or attempting to care for wild animals not only disrupts their natural behaviors but may also violate state wildlife laws.

“Missouri law prohibits the possession of many species of wild animals without a valid permit,” said Duckworth. “Removing a wild animal from its environment can lead to serious consequences for both the animal and the person. It’s also important to remember that wild animals can carry diseases and parasites that pose risks to people and pets.”

MDC recommends observing wildlife from afar, since wild animals can become dangerous as they mature. Although it is tempting to take them into homes, the best help people can offer wild animals is to leave them alone. It’s also best to secure trash and avoid feeding wildlife.

“When people feed wild animals, either directly or by leaving out pet food or unsecured garbage, they’re encouraging unnatural behaviors that can lead to animals becoming aggressive or dependent,” said Bridget Jackson, MDC regional recreational use specialist. “It’s essential that wild animals remain wary of humans for their own safety.”

To help Missourians better understand how to responsibly interact with nature, MDC offers educational materials, public workshops, and online resources at mdc.mo.gov.

If you encounter wildlife that may be injured or truly orphaned, contact your local MDC office before taking any action.

“The best way to help wildlife is to let wild animals stay wild,” added Jackson. “Observing nature is a wonderful part of summertime in Missouri. By keeping our distance and respecting wildlife, we can all play a part in conserving the state’s natural heritage.”

For more information about Missouri wildlife or to report concerns about wild animals, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov or contact your local MDC office.

Saint Louis County is excited to announce the birth of two bison calves at Lone Elk Park. The two calves were born overnight on May 6, 2025.

The arrival of the calves marks the beginning of a new chapter for the park’s bison herd and a special opportunity for visitors to witness native wildlife in action.

The reddish-orange calves can be seen trailing closely behind their mothers in the bison pasture. While the new arrivals are a heartwarming sight, park officials urge visitors to remain in their vehicles and observe all wildlife from a safe distance.

“These calves are a sign of a healthy herd and a successful habitat,” said Pat Curry, Park Supervisor at Lone Elk Park. “They’ll spend the next few months bonding with their mothers and gradually gaining independence. It’s a special time for the herd, and we’re thrilled to share it with the public.”

Lone Elk Park is a unique, free drive-through wildlife experience operated by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation. It is home to bison, elk, deer, and other native species. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the park’s scenic views but are reminded to follow all posted guidelines and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.

All photos provided by Charlie Hoessle.

by Don Corrigan

Travelers over the Mississippi River from Missouri to Illinois are greeted with a billboard urging them to drive 140 miles to see the white squirrels. Charlie Hoessle can visit with the albino critters right in his south St. Louis County backyard.

Hoessle is best known to St. Louisans for his past work as director of the St. Louis Zoo. In that position, he became familiar with deadly snakes of Asia, lumbering giraffes from Africa, and poisonous frogs of South America – as well as other exotic animals.

Now retired, Hoessle is content these days with simply tracking the feisty squirrels in his Sunset Hills neighborhood. However, these are not just your average, ordinary, run-of-the-mill squirrels. These are the relatively rare white squirrels of North America.

Hoessle has no need to travel miles to see his favorite white squirrels. He can just amble out the back door of his home.

“We have had white squirrels in our back yard for about five or 6 years now,  but not always the same ones,” said Hoessle. “The first one I named ‘Spirit.’ He was a daily visitor to my patio bird feeder.”

Hoessle has a fond place in his heart for ‘Spirit.’ However, he welcomes the new white squirrels to his location, and he often has his camera or cell phone ready to snap pictures of the bushy tails.

“I loved Spirit because he was not afraid of me,” said Hoessle. “He loved to bask on our crab apple tree and just relax. Sometimes I spread cracked corn on my patio for him.”

Continue reading →