Did You Know? Young animals are often left untended while their parents forage for food nearby…
Each year, kind, well-meaning people with the best intentions “rescue“ young birds and mammals. However, many times these citizens are endangering the lives of young wildlife by interfering with their natural adaptation and learning of basic survival skills.
While some young animals might appear to be abandoned, usually they are not. It’s likely their mothers are watching over them from somewhere nearby. If humans don’t interfere, the mother will feed, protect and teach her baby to live and survive in the great outdoors. Simply put: wildlife moms are best!
So when encountering young deer, birds, raccoons or other young wildlife, the best thing people can do is leave the animals alone.
If you find an animal that appears sick or injured, check the list of local wildlife resources for a rehabilitator who can evaluate the situation and provide instructions.
In many instances, only licensed individuals are permitted to relocate wildlife. Certified by state and federal agencies, wildlife rehabilitators are trained volunteers who work long hours to care for animals in their own homes.
Visit the Environmental Services Department’s Wildlife page for more information about local wildlife.