Many consider the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney a hidden gem, a place to bring people and nature together in Collin County.
It is a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and is home to hundreds of plants, birds, reptiles, coyotes, deer, raccoon and more.
There's no telling what North Texas families will come across while strolling through the nearly seven miles of nature trails on the property.
That's why it was so alarming when officials with the Heard came across shotgun shells and empty bags of deer corn.
While no one with the Heard Museum has actually seen someone hunting the animals there, the concern is, it's happening.
"The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. She had a vision to protect some land and wildlife for future generations to enjoy," said Stephanie Jennings, the Heard's marketing director. "If we allow hunting here, that kinda goes against our message. We want to be able to keep our wildlife safe and also be able to keep our visitors safe."
Officials with the Heard fear people may be sneaking onto the wildlife sanctuary through the backside of the property, where there isn't a fence.
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They've reported it to police and they plan to raise money to buy wildlife cameras to help prevent it.
"Because we are here to preserve nature, we want to make sure that the nature that is here is kept safe," Jennings said
