MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the 2022 Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is now open. Students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades enrolled in public, private, parochial or home schools in Wisconsin are eligible to participate.

Said the DNR: The Keep Wildlife Wild program began in 2014 to spread the word about the shared role in keeping all wildlife healthy in its natural habitat. 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.

The Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is a fun way for kids to help spread the important message to keep wildlife wild. The DNR encourages students to find out how they can help keep wild animals in Wisconsin safe and healthy on the Keep Wildlife Wild webpage. 

Judging is in March. Those who submitted designs will be notified by email of winners during the first week of April. The DNR will also announce winners during the fifth annual Keep Wildlife Wild Week in April. For inspiration to help design your poster and learn about Wisconsin critters, visit EEK! Critter Corner or check out the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild webpage.

All submissions must be received electronically via email or by mail and must include the student’s entry form and artwork by 5 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2022. Submit entries to:

The poster entry must contain the words: “Keep Wildlife Wild 2022” and follow the theme of: “If you care, leave them there!”

All posters must consist of original artwork of Wisconsin native wildlife.

Posters must fit an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper.

Posters must be submitted individually; no team creations.

For a complete list of rules and requirements, please visit the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild 2022 Poster Design Contest webpage. Entries that fail to comply with the contest’s requirements will be disqualified and won’t be considered by the judging panel.