Wildlife management and research programs conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, other public agencies or educational institutions occasionally require the administration of pharmaceuticals to wild animals. Many wildlife species cannot be safely restrained, handled or treated without the use of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals commonly used in wildlife programs include immobilizing agents, antibiotics and vaccines. Although many of these pharmaceuticals have been approved for conditional use on domestic animals that will be eaten by humans, most have not been approved for use on wild animals that may be eaten by humans.
To reduce possible human exposure to pharmaceuticals, the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development is marking all White-tailed deer, moose and black bears that have been treated with pharmaceuticals with an orange tag in each ear with the following warning printed on the tag:
