LEAVE YOUNG WILDLIFE IN THE WILD

WATERBURY, VT -- People often mistakenly assume that young animals they see
without adults are helpless or in trouble and need rescuing. But taking young wildlife from the wild into a human environment is generally not a good idea.

"Efforts to rescue wildlife thought to be in trouble may put both animals and people at risk," says Steve Parren, coordinator of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Nongame and Natural Heritage Program. "Many times when young wildlife are taken from the wild, their chances for survival decrease."

"First, there's the challenge of finding the right foods that will provide the proper nutrition for wildlife. Then, there is a risk of the animal imprinting on a human and losing its fear of people. And finally, there is the problem of the young animal not learning the skills it needs to survive in the wild. These skills would have been taught by the young animal's parent," explains Parren.

Understanding what many animals are doing at this time of year can help us resist the urge to assist wildlife when we may do more harm than good.

·       Some adult animals nurse or feed their young at different times throughout the day. As a result, some young are left alone for long periods of time.

·       Bird chicks chirping on the ground may be signaling their parents to feed them.

·       Young animals will often follow their parents. A "wandering" animal's family may be nearby but just out of sight.

·       Animals that act sick can carry rabies, parasites or other harmful diseases. Healthy-looking raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats and their cuddly-looking young also may be carriers of the deadly rabies virus.

       We can all benefit by having a better understanding of what we can do to treat wildlife with respect, while at the same time protecting ourselves.

·       For general information about rabies and suspect animals, call the Vermont
Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES. If bitten or in direct contact with a raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat, or a domestic animal that's been in contact with such a species, call the Vermont Department of Health at
1-800-640-4374. Report wild animals suspected of having rabies to your local game warden directly or via state police.

·       Observe an "orphaned" animal for an hour or two to be sure it is really orphaned before calling for assistance from licensed rehabilitators. Taking a wild animal into captivity is against the law, although a permit may be granted to trained individuals. Contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department at 1-802-241-3700 for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area.

·       Keep domestic pets indoors, leashed or fenced in.

·       Observe wildlife from a distance. Use binoculars to get a closer view.

·       Honor signs that ask you to stay a certain distance from wildlife and their reproduction areas, including trails that may be temporarily closed. Many wildlife species will not feed and care for their young when people are so close that the animal feels threatened.

·       Avoid removing trees, shrubs and dead snags that contain nests during the spring and summer. Wait until fall if possible.

·       Prevent injuries to birds from flying into glass by breaking up the reflection with string, ornaments, windsocks, or streamers.

Young wildlife belong in the wild. It may be difficult, but if you care, please leave them there.

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(photo by Wayne Laroche)
Vermont Fish & Wildlife officials are asking for people to enjoy wild animals from distance and leave wildlife youngsters such as this fawn in the wild.


For Further Information please contact: Steve Parren at 802-241-3700 or email to steve.parren@anr.state.vt.us