Spring is a wonderful time to be outside and enjoying wildlife.  However, it is also a time when you are likely to encounter young wildlife.  If you ever come across young birds or mammals, do you know what you should do?

       When most folks find them, they quickly let look about to see if a parent is nearby.  When they don’t see one, it is natural to assume the youngster is an orphan.  According to Kaitlin Goode, wildlife biologist and program manager of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Wildlife Program, “While it may appear that a young animal is alone, the adult animal is usually close by even though you may not be able to see it.  Adult animals, such as deer, spend most of the day away from their young to reduce the risking of a predator find the young.”

       Although it is only natural to think that your best course of action is to rescue it.  According to Goode, “Wildlife, even young animals, rarely need interference from humans.”  She goes not to say, “Taking wildlife out of their natural environment and bringing them home often takes away the animal’s ability to survive in the wild, where it belongs.”

       If that is true, what should you do?  The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recommends that you should walk away and leave the animal where you found them.  Then wait at least 24hours before returning.  Upon your return, if it is still there, contact your nearest WRD office for guidance at GeorgiaWildlife.com.about/contact.   For more information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/living-with-wildlife