Our Story
In August 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Old Forge, NY, where a mother bear and her two cubs were euthanized by state officials. The bears had become habituated to human food sources, leading to increased interactions with people. Despite efforts by some community members to deter crowds and protect the bears, the situation escalated, resulting in the bears being deemed a threat and subsequently euthanized.
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Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, and we aim to minimize the risk of similar outcomes in our region moving forward.
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This heartbreaking event galvanized local residents, wildlife advocates, and visitors alike, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. In response, Keep Our Wildlife Wild was established to honor the memory of these bears and to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in the Adirondack region.
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
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Educate the public on the importance of not feeding or approaching wild animals
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Implement community-based initiatives to secure garbage and reduce attractants
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Advocate for policies that protect wildlife and promote responsible human behavior
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Collaborate with local authorities, businesses, and residents to create a safer environment for both humans and animals
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Plans for the future include an emphasis on the rehabilitation of bears through partnering with other organizations or creating our own center
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By fostering understanding and respect for wildlife, we aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Adirondacks are preserved for generations to come.
Take the Pledge
Wildlife Pledge:
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By taking this pledge, I agree to the following:
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to never feed our deer or bears
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to watch our wildlife from a safe distance
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to never lure wildlife to vehicles with food or attractants
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Why the Pledge?
Black Bears and their cubs are killed each year due to interactions with people. Our deer and bears lose their fear of people and traffic. Many are hurt or killed by vehicles.
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Remember, a Fed Bear is a Dead Bear!