CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced that the agency is implementing a new online tool for reporting wildlife disease and mortality in West Virginia, using the data collection program ArcGIS Survey 123.
“This application will allow the public to report potentially sick or diseased wildlife, providing important information for wildlife resources specialists and biologists,” said Paul Johansen, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. “Although sick or diseased wildlife are rather uncommon overall, disease does sometimes occur among populations of wild animals. This application offers another way for members of the public to report their observations.”
The Wildlife Disease and Mortality Reporting tool can be accessed online at arcg.is/1miOHT1 or by scanning the QR code below with a smart device. Users can upload pictures and report locations and other information of wildlife that appear to be sick, diseased or that have died. Information collected will allow the appropriate Wildlife Resources Section staff to determine if additional investigation is necessary.
“The Wildlife Resources Section relies on timely reports of wildlife health events from the public across the state to help monitor population health,” Johansen said. “We encourage the public to report sightings of possibly sick animals.”
This application is not intended to replace contacting your local WVDNR district office, and local offices remain prepared to accept questions and wildlife health reports during normal business hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call the WVDNR district office near you.
