Contact: Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist
Amanda.Kamps@wisconsin.gov 608-712-5280
DNR Announces 2021 Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Contest Winners
Miriam Borgwardt's winning sixth grade entry in the annual Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest.
Photo credit: Miriam Borgwardt
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest. Submitted by fourth through sixth graders around the state, each poster helps spread the word about our shared role in keeping all wildlife healthy, and most importantly, wild.
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 interfere in wildlife situations because they incorrectly assume a young animal is orphaned.
The Keep Wildlife Wild initiative began in 2014 to provide 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 an animal that needs help. The poster contest is a fun way for kids to spread that message.
“We received about 130 poster designs from fourth, fifth and sixth graders across Wisconsin,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist. “It was a fun and challenging task to narrow down the winners for each grade. The level of artistic ability and creativity of the students is incredible, and we look forward to highlighting these talented young artists.”
To view all the winning posters, click here.
Congratulations to all winners! The DNR would also like to thank every student who submitted a poster entry and helped spread the word that a wild animal’s best chance of survival is with its mother.
Fourth grade winners:
- First place, Archer Peterson from Brillion
- Second place, Nayeli Ostrander from Lodi
- Third place, Hutson Conley from Plover
Fifth grade winners:
- First place, Mathew Bernier from Beloit
- Second place, Thea Kammerud from Darlington
- Third place, Blythe Griggs from Campbellsport
Sixth grade winners:
- First place, Miriam Borgwardt from Fond du Lac
- Second place, Wyatt Orth from Medford
- Third place, Kate Mischick from McFarland
For more information on what to do if you come across a newborn animal or an animal of any age that may be sick or injured, click here.
