It is that time of year. The time of year where all the cute and cuddly newborn wild animals are exploring. Sightings of deer fawns and other wildlife increase in number. While they are fun to see it is important to know your boundaries.
First off, when you see newborn wild animals, the first rule is to leave them alone. The Utah DWR wants the public to remember this.
“If you do come across a baby animal in the wild, and you fear it may be abandoned, DWR says it likely is not – its mother is almost always nearby. Leave the animal where you found it and do not touch it.” – Utah DWR
Secondly, remember that wildlife is in fact wild. While they may look cute and harmless as babies, they don’t stay that way.
“Additionally, fawns and other big game animals may look harmless when they are born, but can become aggressive as they get older, particularly around dogs, and during breeding seasons.” -Utah DWR
The third rule is to remember that you may be doing more harm than good. A few years ago tourists in Yellowstone made a good example of this.
When seeing a bison calf during a cold autumn day, they determined it looked too cold. They took it upon themselves to “rescue” the calf. They placed it inside their van and drove it to the nearest ranger station. The tourists demanded that something be done to protect this calf.
As a result not only were the tourists ticketed, but the bison calf had to be euthanized.
What is the moral of the story? Please leave wildlife alone. Animals stand a better chance of survival when this is the case. It protects them and you.
What baby animals have you encountered? Have you seen someone trying to take newborn wild animals? Let us know in the comments!
