With spring underway, the Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary in Minden says it’s important to exercise caution when encountering baby animals out in the wild.
Sanctuary founder and Authorized Wildlife Custodian Monika Melichar said while a baby animal may appear to be alone, their parents may be nearby, and trying to rescue the animal may do more harm than good.
For birds, Melichar advises waiting around half an hour to see if the parent returns, and several hours for mammals.
She said deer will often hide their babies in long grass or under a bush while they go to get food.
“The mom will hide it there as she goes foraging because those babies are really much too young to be able to follow their mother, especially in the first couple weeks of their lives. They’re all wobbly and long-legged and they can’t run very fast,” she said.
Melichar added that snowshoe hares are common in the area and they become mobile within the first few days of life, so it is normal to see them scattered around on their own. Snowshoe hares don’t build traditional nests, and will return to feed their babies only a couple times a day.
Indicators that an animal needs help include injuries, flies or fleas, prolonged crying or if their dead parent is nearby.
“Especially if a baby bird has been bitten by a cat, that is very deadly. And that requires antibiotics as soon as possible,” she said.
Melichar said if an animal definitely needs help, it’s a good idea to contact your local wildlife sanctuary for guidance on how to do so.
It is illegal to hold a wild animal in captivity over a prolonged period, so Melichar advises against caring for an animal at your residence. She said animals that have no fear of humans can be difficult or dangerous to release back into the wild.
