Is That Baby Animal Abandoned? How to Help Wildlife the Right Way

As the weather warms up across Texas and Arkansas, we are spending more time outside. This means we have more chances to see wildlife. But we also need to remember that it’s baby season for many animals, too. Sometimes we see those sweet young faces and fear that they have been abandoned, but more than likely, they have not.

The Kindest Thing You Can Do Is Give Young Wildlife Space

Officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say every year, well-meaning animal-loving people pick up baby animals, thinking they’re helping. But in most cases, that actually does more harm than good, and it can be illegal.

Richard Heilbrun, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife Division Deputy Director, said in a press release,

People want to help, but intervening is often the worst thing you can do. Most young animals are not abandoned, their parents are nearby and will return. The best thing you can do is give them space.

Sweet Little Fawns Are Usually Just Waiting on Mom

If you come across a white-tailed deer fawn lying quietly in the grass, don’t panic. The mom deer has camouflaged her baby in the grass, and she is out feeding. She'll come back to nurse her fawn.

Those “Lost” Baby Birds? They’re Learning to Fly

It’s also very common to see young birds on the ground this time of year. You might come across one as you're working in the garden. These young birds are learning. If the bird has feathers, open eyes, and is hopping around, chances are mom and dad are close by, keeping watch and bringing it snacks.

A good thing to also remember is that many native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so it’s important not to disturb them.

Turtles, Too, Give Them a Helping Hand the Right Way

Turtles are on the move this time of year, and you might see one crossing a road. If it is safe, you can help a turtle by moving it in the same direction it was already heading. Don't take them home or move them to a lake or pond.

Turtles know their home turf well and tend to stay within just a couple of miles their whole lives. If you take them away from their 'home', they will wander around the rest of their lives trying to get back home! That fact brings a tear to my eyes.

Remember, wild animals are not pets; they will not thrive as pets. We can feel blessed to just enjoy watching them and let them go about their business. That goes for opossums, raccoons and skunks too.

If you feel bothered by them, you can find a repellent to spray in your yard, but more than likely, if you have no pet food lying around outside, the animal will move on.

When You Should Step In to Help Wildlife

If you truly believe an animal is injured, sick, or orphaned, the best thing to do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do Not Handle it Yourself. Getting too close or moving an animal can actually keep its parent from returning.

Wildlife experts also want folks to stay alert for signs of New World Screwworm, which has recently been detected near the Texas-Mexico border. If you ever see maggots on a live animal, report it right away to a local wildlife biologist.

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Love Wildlife From a Distance

It’s natural to want to scoop up and save every baby animal you see, but in most cases, the best way to help is to simply leave them be. Nature has a plan, and those watchful parents are usually closer than we think.