NEWBURYPORT — Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Manager Matt Hillman will visit the “Morning Show” on Dec. 19.
Host Mary Jacobsen will interview Hillman about ethical wildlife watching, an issue that prompts heightened concern with the annual return of snowy owls to the refuge.
Hillman will explain what draws snowy owls to the refuge in the winter, what makes them charismatic to people, and what safe and ethical guidelines are for observing them, including keeping at least 100 yards away at all times. He will explain the invisible but significant harm the animals experience from too close or prolonged encounters with humans.
Some human interactions with wildlife are also illegal, and Hillman will spell out why such behaviors as feeding wildlife and flushing, harassing, or playing recorded calls are against the law.
For information on how to support the safety of snowy owls or to report wildlife crime, visit: www.fws.gov/story/2024-11/support-snowy-owls-respecting-their-space
“The Morning Show” airs Thursday at 9 a.m. on Channel 9 and WJOP (FM 96.3), and is available after broadcast at www.NCMHub.org by clicking on YouTube, then Playlist and scrolling down.