Snowmobilers cautioned against harassing wildlife
This year’s snowfall in Pennsylvania is allowing snowmobilers to finally get out and enjoy the state’s winter landscape. With that in mind, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross reminded snowmobilers that winter is a very stressful time for wildlife.
“The Game Commission wants to make sure snowmobilers are aware that running their snowmobiles near, through, or around winter habitat such as thickets, cattails, and wooded areas, may inadvertently scare wintering wildlife, causing them additional and unnecessary stress or injury,” Ross said.
“We ask snowmobilers to take this into consideration, and to give wildlife a little comfort space when out enjoying their sport.
“When the snow gets deep enough, every once in a while a snowmobiler is out in a remote area going from one corner of a field to another, a deer pops up, and suddenly the chase is on. Such thoughtless activity not only stresses animals, but also is illegal.”
Ross also noted that snowmobilers may ride on State Game Lands from the third Sunday in January through April 1 on designated snowmobile areas, roads and trails marked with appropriate signs, so long as the snowmobiles are registered and display a valid registration decal from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Ross also emphasized that all-terrain vehicles are not legal anywhere on State Game Lands, except for certain disabled hunters on select roads on specific State Game Lands.