A common sight for many rural Western Kentucky passersby is of turkey, deer, or other wildlife. While many may find these animals to be a nuisance, they serve a crucial role in Kentucky’s environment.

During a Tuesday visit to the Cadiz Rotary Club, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Rich Storm said the habitats of wildlife have been routinely damaged or destroyed as a result of population growth.

In turn, this throws a wrench into the works of many hunters looking to provide for their family due to the loss of wildlife population.

Storm discussed the side effects of this consistently occurring issue.

Storm urged property owners to implement practices which are environmentally friendly.

While property owners hold the right to defend their land against wildlife despite seasonal laws, Storm encouraged them to have some thought about the damage which could be done to the animal population.

Storm used a recent example to showcase his observance of ignorance from private property owners.

Storm and the Department of Fish and Wildlife believe the biggest threat to wildlife population is the urbanization of rural areas, and asks that you take precautionary steps such as delaying mowing, allowing wooded areas to flourish, and becoming educated on the benefits of wildlife.