Leave Baby Wildlife Alone

by
posted on March 13, 2018
fawn-credit-fws.jpg

If you and your family spend much time in the outdoors, it's quite likely that as spring progresses you'll see infant wildlife. Perhaps you'll come upon a fawn, its dappled fur concealing it in the lengthening grass, or a baby rabbit looking tiny and lost under a bush. It's common for people to see these lone (and adorable) baby critters and think that they've been abandoned and wonder if the animal is in need of help. What many people don’t know is that most newborn wildlife is best left alone. A recent report from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages people to resist the urge to “rescue” these animals. 

“Although individuals may have good intentions, young animals unnecessarily taken into captivity lose their natural instincts and ability to survive in the wild,” explains John Bowers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief of Game Management. “Most of the time, young wildlife that appear to be helpless and alone are only temporarily separated from the adults,” explains Bowers. Handling wild animals and might even be dangerous for you: Animals can carry parasites like ticks, fleas, roundworms and lice, or even diseases like rabies. 

If you’re sure that an animal has been orphaned, or if it’s injured, you should contact your local Wildlife Resources Division office to obtain a contact number for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to provide proper care for the animal until it can be released into the wild. For more information on orphaned, injured or diseased wildlife, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.

Latest

223 Wylde Lede
223 Wylde Lede

Ammo Awareness: .223 Wylde

Want to know the difference between cartridge, chambering and caliber? Dennis Bradley gets Wylde on a major rifle ammo question.

How to Hunt Deer: Stands, Decoys, Calling & More

Hoping to bring some venison home to your family? Here are some how-tos for beginners from the National Deer Association.

How to Process Your Own Deer Meat

Are you lacking a local butcher and have a deer on your truck tailgate? Fear not, the job is not that daunting.

Video Review: Savage Axis II Bolt-Action Rifle

Perfected for hunting, this classic bolt gun has luxury features at wallet-friendly prices.

Fieldcraft Friday: 5 Need-To-Know Knots

Knowing how to tie these knots can keep your outdoors adventure from unraveling.

Rising Shooting Stars: Christian Sailer

It all started with Grandpa, a BB gun and a love of action movies.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.