Young wildlife best left alone during this time of year
With May and early June being the peak time for wildlife to have their young, the Idaho Fish and Game reminds those well-intentioned people that find baby animals that appear to be abandoned to leave them alone. Chances are the mother is close by waiting for you to leave.
This dilemma is the same for a deer fawn curled up beneath the brush, baby birds fallen from a nest, a lost duckling, or lonely looking squirrel.
Just because the mother is not present, doesn’t mean the youngster isn’t being properly cared for. Many wild animal mothers often leave their offspring alone for extended periods of time to feed, rest or to find food for their young. For example, female deer and elk will often leave her young for most of the day and night, only to return to feed and quickly leave.
Many times when well-meaning people take young wildlife from the wild, their chances of survival are not improved - but lessened. Most do not survive well in captivity and many lack survival skills to allow release back to the wild.
Fish and Game has two alternatives when dealing with animals removed from the wild. Volunteer wildlife rehabilitators can attempt to raise the animal and return it back in the wild, but this option often fails because the majority of young animals brought in are often in poor condition and providing the proper nutrition is a huge challenge. The animals that do make it generally have no survival skills and have often unnaturally formed bonds with humans.
Fish and Game can attempt to place the animals in zoos, but most zoos now refuse to take the animals because of crowding and potential disease concerns.
In addition, bats are also currently migrating back from their wintering grounds and as they move through, they often roost in places that might seem odd, like low on the side of buildings, tree trunks, and even in people’s gardens. If a bat is hanging upside down in its normal position, and not on the ground, leave the bat alone and make sure that pets and children do not disturb or touch the bat. If you find a grounded or injured bat, contact your nearest Fish and Game office.
It is recommended that if a small animal, such as a bird, rabbit or squirrel is found near a home, it should be placed back in the nest or close by and left undisturbed. Note the location carefully and contact the nearest Fish and Game office who will able to advise you on the best action to take.
Do not plan to raise wild animals on your own. Young wild animals require special care and feeding that is beyond what the average household is prepared to manage. Additionally, possession of most species of wildlife taken from the wild is illegal in Idaho.
In the spring when wildlife reproduction is at its peak, you may have the good fortune to observe a nest of birds or a litter of young mammals with no adult in sight. Enjoy the sight but if nothing is obviously amiss, it is best to leave young wildlife alone.