Wild babies need left alone

May 9, 2013

It's spring and ducklings and other animal babies are out and about; drivers should be alert for critters crossing the road.

May and early June is also the fawning and calving season for Idaho's deer, elk and pronghorn.

With campers and other outdoors enthusiasts heading out to the woods, well-meaning folks often find baby birds and other animals that seem to be abandoned.

Idaho Fish and Game is asking people to leave them alone.

Despite the best of intentions, it is not the best thing for the animals.

Mother animals often leave their young as they forage. If they return to their young to find people milling around; they will often leave the area and come back when the people are gone.

If people have taken the baby animal, the mother will return to find her baby gone.

During early summer, many baby animals are simply too young to survive without mom. The best option is for the young animal to stay in the wild in the first place.

In addition, it is illegal for people to possess wild animals. People found with a wild animal without a permit can be issued a citation, and the animal will be removed from their control.

Animals raised in confinement are often destroyed because of the possibility of disease and lack of ability to survive on their own.

Smaller animals, like rabbits and birds, should also be left alone. In nature, mother knows best.

For information, call the nearest Fish and Game office.