FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2023-04-04

Contact: Taylor Czyscon, DNR Assistant Captive Wildlife & Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Taylor.Czyscon@wisconsin.gov or 608-206-6487

DNR Announces 2023 Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Contest Winners

Fourth-grader Elsa Wright of Suamico drew this picture of a raccoon and lizard on a tree branch, winning her first place in her grade in the 2023 Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest.

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the winners of the Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest. This year’s theme was “If You Care, Leave Them There.”

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders across Wisconsin were invited to submit posters that spread the word about keeping all wildlife healthy and, most importantly, wild.

The Keep Wildlife Wild program began in 2014 with a focus on providing information about wildlife species’ natural behaviors, tips on how to determine if a wild animal is truly orphaned and what to do if someone finds a wild animal in need of assistance. The contest's goal is to create a poster that teaches the importance of enjoying and observing wildlife in the wild and not keeping wildlife in homes or as pets.

During the warmer months of spring and summer, the frequency of human-wildlife encounters increases, especially those involving young wild animals. While most of these encounters are harmless, there are times when well-intentioned people disrupt wildlife because they mistake a lone baby animal for an orphan.

The Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is a fun way for kids to help spread this important message. The DNR encourages students of all ages to learn how they can help keep wild animals in Wisconsin safe and healthy by visiting the Keep Wildlife Wild webpage.

Fourth-grade winners: