For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for its 2024 Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest.
Students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades enrolled in public, private, parochial or home schools in Wisconsin are eligible to participate.
“The Keep Wildlife Wild program began in 2014 to spread the word about our shared role in keeping all wildlife healthy in its natural habitat,” DNR said in a release. “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.”
DNR noted that during the warmer months of spring and summer, the frequency of human and 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,” DNR said. “The Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is a fun way for kids to help spread the important message to keep wildlife wild.”
Judging will take place in February. Those who submitted designs will be notified by email of winners in March.
DNR will also announce winners in a statewide news release and Facebook post during the sixth annual Keep Wildlife Wild Week in April.
For inspiration to help design your poster and learn about Wisconsin critters, visit EEK! Critter Corner (www.eekwi.org/critter/index.htm) or check out the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild webpage (www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/orphan).
The poster entry must contain the words “Keep Wildlife Wild 2024” and follow the theme “Safe in their home.”
“Whether it is a rabbit nest in a garden, a robin nest in the branches of a tree, or a fawn’s hiding spot in the long grass of a field, each of their homes is unique and helps keep them safe,” DNR said. “Young artists are encouraged to design their poster with this idea in mind.”
All posters must consist of original artwork of Wisconsin native wildlife. Posters must fit an 8 ½” x 11″ sheet of paper and must be submitted individually; no team creations.
All submissions, including the student’s entry form and artwork, must be received electronically via email or by mail by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2024.
Submit entries to Wisconsin Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Design Contest, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Taylor Czyscon, P.O. Box 100 Friendship, Wis., 53934; or [email protected].
To see the complete list of rules and requirements, visit www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/posterdesigncontest.
