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| Young Wildlife - Best Left Alone |
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| By Mike Demick - Idaho Fish and Game |
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Nothing pulls on the heart more than encountering what appears to be orphaned or helpless baby wild animal. And nothing reduces the chances more of that young animal living a healthy wild existence than capturing it with the idea of raising it and releasing it later.
Past investigations of young wild animals taken from their natural surroundings have shown that at least nine times out of 10, the animal was not abandoned but was only temporarily left by the mother or was ready to begin fending on its own.
The dilemma is not limited to any particular species, it may be a baby robin fallen from the nest, a lost duckling, lonely looking squirrel or a deer fawn curled up beneath the brush.
The kind intentions of people who want to make certain young animals are cared for is a trait that makes humans special. It is also what makes it difficult to tell them they are doing the wrong thing. With very few exceptions, taking young wildlife from the wild into a human environment is a mistake.
The Idaho Fish and Game recommends leaving all wildlife alone and to allow nature to take its course. "Most people enjoy seeing nature's beauty, but not the cruel side," said Jay Crenshaw, IDFG wildlife manager. "Nature will always find a way to balance wildlife populations, even if it seems unpleasant to humans."
Our human instincts and logic tell us that because the mother is not within our eyesight, the youngster isn't being properly cared for. But what people forget or don't understand is that many wild animals often leave their offspring alone for extended periods of time to feed, rest or to find food for their young. For example, a deer doe will leave her young for most of the day and night, only to return to feed and quickly leave.
Many times when young wildlife are taken from the wild, their chances of survival are not improved, but lessened. Wild animals generally cannot survive on diets that come from the neighborhood grocery store. Ask any wildlife rehabilitator or zookeeper with wildlife experience and they'll tell you the job of providing the proper nutrition for wildlife is a real challenge and often is not successful.
The second challenge of being able to return young wildlife to their natural environment is just as difficult. Most young wildlife learn early in life to imprint on the animal that cares for it. It's nature's way of bonding the two together. But when a fawn, for example, imprints on a human, it fails to learn the necessary skills required for survival that would have been taught by the doe. The fawn also loses its fear of humans. Both conditions result in a very limited potential for survival should the animal live to be released in the wild.
Although young birds, squirrels and rabbits can be placed back in their nest, most young wildlife are better left alone. It may be very difficult, but if you care, leave them there.
"Persons should approach a young songbird or squirrel the same way they would any wild animal - by leaving them alone," said Crenshaw. "The only time to be concerned about them is if they are found at your doorstep."
If you are worried about young wildlife you observe, note the location carefully and contact the nearest Fish and Game office. They will be able to advise you on the best action to take or investigate the situation for you.
Mike Demick, Regional Conservation Educator has worked for IDFG since 1994.
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